According to J.J. Redick, this person has the most remarkable NBA record ever—not LeBron or Bill Russell.
According to J.J. Redick, This Person Has the Most Remarkable NBA Record Ever—Not LeBron or Bill Russell
When it comes to discussing the greatest records in NBA history, most conversations often circle around figures like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, or Bill Russell. These icons have left indelible marks on the game, with records ranging from championships to points per game. LeBron’s ongoing chase of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record and Bill Russell’s unmatched 11 NBA championships often stand at the pinnacle of any debate on the NBA’s most impressive feats.
However, former NBA player and current analyst J.J. Redick has recently made a bold statement that shifts the conversation in a different direction. According to Redick, the most remarkable NBA record ever does not belong to LeBron or Russell, but to a player whose achievement is often overlooked. This player’s record, in Redick’s eyes, is one of the most astounding in the history of the sport, deserving of more recognition and respect. So, who is this player, and what is the record that Redick deems the most remarkable in NBA history? Let’s break it down.
The Player Who Redick Refers To: Dirk Nowitzki
The player in question is none other than the legendary Dirk Nowitzki, the iconic 7-foot German forward who spent his entire 21-season NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki, who retired in 2019, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his era and arguably the best power forward to ever play the game. While his accolades—such as an NBA championship, an MVP award, and 14 All-Star appearances—are certainly impressive, it’s a specific record that Redick points to as the most remarkable: Nowitzki’s status as the only player in NBA history to record 31,000 career points while playing his entire career with one team.
Breaking Down Dirk’s Record
Dirk Nowitzki’s career point total stands at an astounding 31,560 points, making him the 6th all-time leading scorer in NBA history (as of 2025). However, what makes this achievement truly remarkable is the context in which it was accomplished. Unlike other all-time greats like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, who played for multiple teams throughout their careers, Nowitzki spent every single one of his 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. His commitment to a single franchise and the way he carried the team for two decades set him apart from his contemporaries in a way that elevates his record to another level.
The Longevity and Consistency
What makes this record so special is not just the sheer number of points, but the longevity and consistency that Nowitzki exhibited over his lengthy career. In an era where the NBA is dominated by player movement—whether through trades, free agency, or even forced moves like the one that brought LeBron James back to Cleveland after his time in Miami—it is increasingly rare to see a player commit to one team for the entirety of their career. Nowitzki’s dedication to the Mavericks, despite the inevitable ups and downs of a 21-year journey, speaks volumes about his consistency, loyalty, and unmatched ability to perform at the highest level year after year.
This kind of longevity is a huge factor in why Redick holds this record in such high regard. While other players may have accumulated points over the years through time spent with multiple franchises or through explosive scoring seasons, Nowitzki’s career is a case study in sustained excellence. He wasn’t merely a scorer; he was a leader for the Mavericks from the time he entered the league in 1998 until his final game in 2019.
Nowitzki’s dedication to the Mavericks not only helped solidify his legacy but also brought consistent success to the team. While the Mavs weren’t always contenders, they always had a steady force in Nowitzki, which allowed them to remain relevant through various changes in the league. He made multiple All-Star appearances, and despite injury challenges later in his career, he continued to produce at a high level for years.
The Paradox of the Record: Longevity vs. Success
One of the most compelling aspects of Nowitzki’s remarkable achievement is the paradox it represents. While some players achieve monumental feats through their ability to bounce around to different teams or through joining super teams, Nowitzki’s success came through his singular commitment to a team that was, at times, not among the league’s elite. The Mavericks’ championship run in 2011, where Nowitzki led his team to a Finals victory over the Miami Heat, was one of the most gratifying moments of his career. However, it was also one of the rare times the Mavericks were truly at the top of the NBA. For much of his career, Nowitzki was the one consistent force on the team, lifting them with his incredible scoring and leadership.
While players like LeBron James and Michael Jordan (with the Chicago Bulls) certainly had strong individual records and made historic career achievements, the fact that Nowitzki achieved the level of scoring he did without the benefit of moving between top-tier franchises to boost his title hopes is a testament to his exceptional ability. That contrast between achieving elite success with one team versus joining forces with multiple other stars to chase titles is exactly what Redick is highlighting when he refers to Nowitzki’s record as the most remarkable in NBA history.
The Historical Context: Why Nowitzki’s Record Stands Out
To truly appreciate the magnitude of Nowitzki’s accomplishment, it’s essential to look at the broader history of the NBA. Throughout the league’s history, many of the top all-time scorers have had the benefit of moving to different teams at various points in their careers, especially as they aged. This player movement has been a defining feature of modern NBA careers, from LeBron’s move from Cleveland to Miami and back to Cleveland to his eventual move to the Los Angeles Lakers, to the likes of Kevin Durant, who moved from Oklahoma City to Golden State, and then to Brooklyn.
While some of these moves have been made in search of championships, they’ve also allowed players to extend their careers and continue accumulating points on competitive teams. Even Kobe Bryant, who did spend his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, benefited from a franchise that has traditionally been one of the most successful in the NBA. In contrast, Nowitzki remained with a team that never achieved the same level of success in terms of roster construction. He could have left the Mavericks to chase a title with another team, especially after the 2006 Finals heartbreak and the struggles in the mid-2000s. But his decision to stay with the Mavericks throughout the ups and downs adds an emotional layer to his record that makes it particularly extraordinary.
Redick’s Perspective: Why It Resonates
As someone who has spent time both as a player and as an analyst, J.J. Redick is uniquely positioned to understand the nuances of what makes a great player and a great record. Redick, who played 15 seasons in the NBA with several teams, has seen firsthand the impact of playing for different franchises. His perspective on Nowitzki’s record highlights the value of consistency and dedication to one’s craft and team. For Redick, Nowitzki’s record isn’t just a reflection of his ability to score points, but of his ability to maintain his elite level of play while remaining loyal to a single team for his entire career.
In Redick’s view, it’s easy to lose sight of the impact of Nowitzki’s career in an era of player movement and free agency. The narrative around the NBA has shifted in recent years toward superstar players teaming up to chase titles, and the stories of loyalty that once defined the NBA have become less common. In that context, Nowitzki’s achievement becomes even more impressive. It’s a throwback to an earlier era when a player’s career was defined not by chasing championships with multiple teams, but by giving their all for one franchise.
The Legacy of Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki’s career will continue to be celebrated long after his retirement. His influence extends beyond his impressive records and accolades. He revolutionized the power forward position, introducing the NBA to the concept of a 7-footer who could shoot three-pointers with consistency and accuracy. His signature one-legged fadeaway became one of the most iconic moves in basketball history, and his style of play has influenced a generation of players.
Additionally, Nowitzki’s impact off the court—particularly in promoting the growth of basketball in Germany and Europe—further solidifies his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.
