Dirk's Championship: Longest Journey Ever?

[cs hauser]

It took Dirk Nowitzki 13 years to bring home a championship to Dallas. That has got to be one of the longest (and sweetest) journeys ever for a local sports hero. How many other athletes have had to wait that long for a payoff? Some rules:

--- Player should've been at the same city for the entire duration

--- Player should still be performing at an elite level at the time of his first championship

Off the top of my head, the only other professional athlete I can think of is the NFL's John Elway for the Denver Broncos. He brought a Superbowl championship to Denver in his 15th season with Denver.

Any others?

[Sulleigh]

Does Paul Pierce count? He spent his entire career in Boston and finally got his first championship after something like 11 years in the league.

[knicksfan84]

Jerry West waitd a long time.

[cs hauser]

Paul Pierce got his championship in his 10th season, while Jerry West got his in his 12th.

[GothamGM]

Does Olajuwon count?
by playing for Toronto for 2 years this breaks your rules, but Olajuwon won his first title in his 10th season with Houston (and still playing elite, RS MVP & Finals MVP at 32, one year younger than Dirk)

[TsunamiZC]

This should really give us perspective on the Lebron issue. Even for all time greats, a waiting period has always existed, even if he tried to jump start his chances. But his chance is as goods as anyones if he can mature and have some patience.

[Optms]

It doesn't happen often but Dirk is a fine example of loyalty and patience paying off.

[Frankie23]

There's a really great fact about Dirk. Besides his loyalty and his past frustrations, in his 13th season, at 33, he performed his best season at %FG. That means he continue to work his ass off to become better and better until he finally got his championship.
Well deserved Dirk!! Just a great example to young players.. Whithout the bitter, the sweet ain't as sweet..What a leason to LeBron..

[Dr Positivity]

After doing a quick browse I can't find anyone with as many as 13 years logged pre title. Good observation. Frankly players still being in their prime 13 years in is a rarity enough.

98 Malone was actually his 13th season. Weird, Dirk feels a lot younger career wise than Karl at that stage

[tsherkin]

Magic Johnson

[LAKESHOW]

yes. longest journey. that would be dallas' first title.

[Striders]

It really makes you respect the guy a lot. He hit rock bottom (Like how he had a complete breakdown after the 07 loss to the Warriors), and just brought himself up and would not allow himself to leave the season without a title.

It really is inspiring, tbh.