Donovan Mitchell Reacts to Dirk Nowitzki’s Statue Reveal On Christmas & Shares Favorite Memory With Mavs’ Legend
Earlier this year, Mark Cuban gave an update on where things stand on Dirk Nowitzki’s statue. After a Mavericks’ practice shared with the media that we should be receiving an update very shortly about when we could see Nowitzki’s statue reveal.
It was later announced that Statue will be unveiled before the Mavericks’ Christmas game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. CT with tipoff set for 1:30 p.m. CT.
“Dirk has done so much for the game and for our city,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban said in a press release. “And to show our appreciation, we want to ensure his legacy and his jump shot will forever be remembered in Dallas.”
The Dallas Mavericks took on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night and after the game, Donovan Mitchell shared his reaction to Dirk Nowitzki’s statue being unveiled.
“Dirk’s a Hall of Famer and one of the best to play this game. At first, I remember that he tried to post me up in Utah, and I got to steal. I think it was like my rookie or something, and I always forever, keep that I gotta steal on Dirk until my I only played against him. I think, I was only to play one year or two years against Dirk, so I didn’t get much time, and that was the older Dirk, but being able to say I got a stop in the post on Dirk I’m gonna count it as a stop, said Mitchell.
“So, I’m I think that’s um my biggest memory and he deserves it man look what he’s done his career. I was a LeBron heat D Wade fan and he gave me some sleepless nights you know as a fan so it’s pretty dope what he’s he’s done for here and how the community how the organization showed him love right back that’s ultimately what it’s bout in sport and he’s one of the best players ever played this game.”
Mitchell would help the Cavaliers beat the Dallas Mavericks 105 to 90 on the road.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
