Dirk Nowitzki
2006-2007 saw Dirk play in his 9th NBA season. It also saw him take home an MVP, leading a relatively pedestrian Dallas Mavericks squad to a 67-15 record.
While Dirk had already proven himself as an elite scorer in the league, his 9th campaign saw him take a step forward in another offensive category, averaging a career-high 3.4 assists per game.
The same can be expected of AD, especially considering how similar their games are. Both are tall, mobile Power Forwards with the ability to stretch the floor, drive to the hoop, pull up from mid-range, and bang in the post.
While, at least initially, Dirk was more of an outside-in player, AD already has that ability to feast down low. For this reason alone, expect AD to up his assist count this year.
With the offense running through him (as mentioned earlier), he’ll get plenty of touches; and assuming Rob Pelinka puts the right pieces around him, there will be cutters, shooters and lob threats all over the floor for AD to pick and choose as he sees fit.
As shown with Dirk, it is common for superstars in the middle of their careers to begin “rounding out” their abilities, becoming threats in new ways to keep opponents guessing, and it is very likely AD does the same this year.