West All-Stars rave about Dirk, Nowitzki happy to host

Earl K. Sneed, Mavs.com
NBA All-Star Weekend 2010

As Dallas becomes the center of the basketball world this weekend, the NBA's best arrived to the metroplex with love and respect for their host, Mavs forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Nowitzki, who is making his ninth appearance in the All-Star Game, was told Friday morning by coach George Karl that he would be in the Western Conference's starting lineup, due to the injury to Kobe Bryant (ankle).

"I think for this opportunity, the situation, the circumstances of Dallas, I think he should be on the court in the beginning of the game," Karl said.

Karl wasn't the only one with high regards for Nowitzki. So, too were his peers.

But with the load of hosting the midseason festivities, Nowitzki's fellow All-Stars are just hopeful that No. 41 still takes out the time to enjoy himself.

"It's great for him," Bryant said of Nowitzki getting the chance to play before his Dallas fans. "It's important for him to just go out there and play his game -- just do what he does for the Mavericks. It's no different. It's not a pressure siutation. He just needs to embrace it and go out there and put on a show for his hometown crowd."

Nowitzki also got word on Thursday night that his floor general, Mavs point guard Jason Kidd, would also take the court in the game. Kidd was named as a replacement for Bryant. The announcement was one that brought a smile to Nowitzki's face.

"I'm happy for him (Kidd)," Nowitzki said. "This gives him 10 now, so I'm excited for him."