Dirk Nowitzki Family Tree: The Story Behind Germany's NBA Icon

Dirk Werner Nowitzki, born 19 June 1978 in Würzburg, Bavaria, West Germany, is a German former NBA superstar — 2011 NBA Champion (Dallas Mavericks, Finals MVP); 2007 NBA MVP; 14× All-Star; all-time leading foreign-born scorer; 21 seasons all with Dallas.

The Family's Roots: A German Sporting Family

Both parents were pro athletes; sister was a national-team basketball player.

His Parents

Father: Jörg-Werner Nowitzki — German pro handball player.

Mother: Helga Nowitzki — German pro basketball player.

His Sister

Silke Nowitzki, born 1976 — elder sister; former Germany national-team basketball player; NBA Europe/G League executive.

His Wife: Jessica Olsson

Jessica Olsson, born 1978 — Kenyan-Swedish (Kenya-born, Sweden-raised); Dallas gallery owner. Married Dirk on 20 July 2012.

Their Children

Malaika Nowitzki, born 2 July 2013 — daughter.

Max Nowitzki, born March 2015 — son.

Morris Nowitzki, born November 2016 — son.

The Nowitzki Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Jörg-Werner Nowitzki — pro handball.

Mother: Helga Nowitzki — pro basketball.

Sister: Silke Nowitzki (b. 1976) — Germany national basketball; NBA G League exec.

Wife: Jessica Olsson (b. 1978; m. 20 July 2012) — Kenyan-Swedish.

Children: Malaika (b. 2 July 2013); Max (b. March 2015); Morris (b. November 2016).

Dirk Nowitzki:

  • Born 19 June 1978, Würzburg
  • Coached by Holger Geschwindner from age 16 (unique training method)
  • German Bundesliga & DBB with DJK Würzburg
  • Drafted 9th overall 1998 (Milwaukee → Dallas Mavericks)
  • 2011 NBA Champion: Finals MVP (beat LeBron/Wade/Bosh Heat)
  • 2007 NBA MVP — first European to win MVP
  • 14× All-Star
  • All-time foreign-born scorer: 31,560 points
  • All-time Mavericks leading scorer
  • Retired April 2019 — 21 seasons all Mavericks

What the Nowitzki Family Story Teaches Us

A pro-handball father. A pro-basketball mother. A Germany-national-team-basketball sister. A Kenyan-Swedish wife. Three children. A career that stayed 21 seasons at one franchise and delivered the NBA's first European MVP.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Dirk story carries the same lesson. Some careers stay one franchise for 21 years.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.