Nowitzki not retiring, all but certain to return to Mavs

DALLAS (AP) — Dirk Nowitzki isn't retiring, and the 7-foot German is all but certain that he will spend a 19th season with the Mavericks.

The Dallas star said Tuesday it was "pretty much" crazy talk for coach Rick Carlisle to suggest after a first-round elimination in Oklahoma City that Nowitzki might consider playing elsewhere. He led the Mavericks in scoring again a season after someone else did it for the first time in 15 years.

The Mavericks have not won a playoff series since taking the franchise's first title in 2011. But Nowitzki still believes the team can contend.

Dallas has to decide what a balky right knee means for the future of versatile young forward Chandler Parsons, who wants to return.

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