{"title":"Thomas Pletzinger","description":"\u003cp\u003eThomas Pletzinger, a distinguished German author, is renowned for his captivating storytelling and unique ability to intertwine narrative and reality. His works often explore themes of identity, personal ambition, and cultural intersections, which resonate with a wide audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of his most celebrated books, \u003cem\u003eThe Great Nowitzki\u003c\/em\u003e, delves into the fascinating world of sports, specifically the life and career of Dirk Nowitzki, a legendary basketball player. Through a blend of thorough research and engaging prose, Pletzinger crafts an intimate portrait that captures both the triumphs and challenges faced by one of basketball’s greatest talents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePletzinger's writing is not just about chronicling sports achievements; it also offers insights into the human condition, reflecting on personal growth and the pursuit of excellence. Whether you are a sports enthusiast or someone who appreciates a well-told story, Thomas Pletzinger’s works provide both an exciting and thought-provoking reading experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore the world of sports through Pletzinger’s eloquent lens and discover a narrative that promises to be both informative and inspiring.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-great-nowitzki-by-thomas-pletzinger-9781324050582","title":"The Great Nowitzki","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seven-foot Dirk Nowitzki is one of the greatest players in basketball history. The Dallas Maverick's legend revolutionised the sport, redefining the role of the big man in the modern game. Dirk \u003cem\u003emoved\u003c\/em\u003e differently: flexible and fast, confident and in control. He \u003cem\u003ethought\u003c\/em\u003e differently, too. On the court, his shots were masterful—none more venerated than his signature one-legged flamingo fadeaway, a move that lives on in the repertoire of today's most skilled NBA players.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow did this lanky kid from the German suburbs become an all-time top ten scorer and NBA champion? How can a superstar stay so humble? Award-winning novelist and sportswriter Thomas Pletzinger spent over seven years travelling with Nowitzki. He witnessed Dirk's summer workouts, involving fingertip push-ups and the study of the physics, and spent days discussing literature and philosophy with Holger Geschwindner, Dirk's enigmatic mentor and coach. Watching Nowitzki in empty gyms and in packed arenas with 30,000 fans, Pletzinger began to understand how Dirk and Holger's philosophical insights on performance, creativity, and freedom enabled his success and longevity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Great Nowitzki\u003c\/em\u003e tells Dirk's dramatic story like never before. Pletzinger describes Dirk's youth in small-town Germany, follows the steep learning curve of Dirk's early seasons, the devastating Finals loss to the Miami Heat, and the triumphant championship five years later. Travelling with Dirk in his final seasons, Pletzinger immerses himself in the community of people impacted by Nowitzki's game, interviewing everyone from average fans in Dallas and security guards at the arena to front office executives and Hall of Fame teammates, who reflect on what Dirk's career means to the next generation of ballplayers. And to the game itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA masterpiece of sports writing that reads like a novel, \u003cem\u003eThe Great Nowitzki\u003c\/em\u003e brims with a fan's passion. Pletzinger shows how strongly basketball influences our imagination and the extraordinary journey an icon like Dirk Nowitzki must take to reach the pinnacle of the game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46833639063788,"sku":"9781324050582","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/11190213482659.jpg?v=1758471333"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/thomas-pletzinger.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}