Dirk Nowitzki would like to continue his playing career next season to play 20 years with the Dallas Mavericks, but he's acknowledged that injuries could prevent that from happening.

Nowitzki is currently struggling with a persistent Achilles tendon problem and hasn't played since November 25th.

"If things don't go so well and it hurts everywhere, it could be that 2017 will be the end," Nowitzki told German magazine Sport Bild.

"Actually, my plan is to complete the 20 years and play for Dallas until 2018.

"But just because I have signed a two-year contract doesn't automatically mean that I will play for two years. It could happen next year."