Dirk Nowitzki is always excited this time of the year, but the start of the NBA season isn't the only reason on this occasion.

He's about to become a father for the third time as he and wife Jessica are expecting the new addition in the next few weeks.

"Almost here," said Nowitzki, who preferred not to divulge whether a boy or girl is on the way. "It's been one after the other. But it's fun. The big one is over 3 now. The little one is a little over 1½. So it's busy at the house and it's going to be even busier, but I really enjoy it. They go nuts when papa comes home. It's the greatest feeling in the world. But obviously it's busy."

Fatherhood wears well on Nowitzki. He is glad the way it turned out, with his firstborn being a girl, Malaika. Then came Max.

"It's every guy's dream to have a boy and Mad Max is doing well," he said. "He's chasing around the balls already. It's a lot of work, but it's a blast."

Soon enough, the house will be a little more crowded.