BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Former German basketball superstar Dirk Nowitzki has been appointed as Chair of the Players Commission for the 2019-2023 term at the first FIBA Central Board meeting, also becoming a member of the 25-member FIBA Central Board, the world's basketball governing body announced on Saturday.
Nowitzki led Germany to its best ever result at a FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2002, finishing in third place, the country's only podium finish at the world level. He also led Germany's run to the 2005 FIBA EuroBasket final.
Nowitzki helped the Dallas Mavericks to a first ever NBA championship in 2011. He made his final appearance for Germany in the 2015 edition of Europe's biggest basketball competition.
"I feel honored to have been given this opportunity and I am looking forward to representing players within FIBA and bringing their voices to the table where decisions are made," said Nowitzki, who finished his illustrious NBA playing career earlier this year, spending all 21 years with the Mavericks.
"I am excited to take on this new role and work alongside both active and retired players around the world to ensure players interests are heard to continue the development of our beloved sport," he added.
Nowitzki joined Yao Ming and Kobe Bryant as official Global Ambassadors of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said, "Dirk is one of the greatest players to have ever played basketball, and is highly respected worldwide. He is the perfect person for this position and we look forward to working closely with him over the next term of office."
In 2014, FIBA announced the creation of the first ever Players Commission. Vlade Divac was appointed as the first Chairman for the 2014-2019 term. This commission is made up of 14 members.
