Before Dirk Nowitzki made his NBA debut, there were already overseas icons who made their name in the league. Yet, it was the German forward who etched history by winning the 52nd Most Valuable Player trophy in the NBA. What’s interesting about this feat? He became the first European-born player to achieve that status. And in 2023, the NBA chapter came full circle when he received his induction into the Hall of Fame. However, that was alongside two Spurs legends, a team he apparently hated in the past.

The 2011 NBA Finals MVP was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Gregg Popovich and Tony Parker, whom he competed against during much of their historic careers. Before the induction, he made a big admission, “I’m not gonna lie, I used to hate the Spurs.” Dirk Nowitzki recalled his battles with his long-time in-state rival. But that rivalry ended on the court, and it’s only been respect ever since.

The 46-year-old made his Roland-Garros debut this week, and he got to watch the finals thanks to a Spurs legend. Well, at least Tony Parker wants the credit. Parker also uploaded an Instagram post raving about the final, with a pic of him with his ‘rival’, Dirk. “What a final !! I love those moments, congrats to both players, unbelievable level made history !! Not bad for Dirk first in Roland Garros 😊 yes you welcome,” Parker wrote. And he was spot on about the game being on an unbelievable level.

The 2025 French Open final was one for the ages. After five-and-a-half hours of a grueling encounter, Carlos Alcaraz came on top, defending his title against Jannik Sinner. After losing the first two sets, Alcaraz made a wild comeback, beating Sinner 4-6, 6(4)-7, 6-4, 7-6(3), 7(10)-6(2) in a seemingly never-ending match. A decent first experience for Dirk Nowitzki, eh?

Despite openly talking about his ‘hatred’ for the Spurs, Dirk Nowitzki received high praise from a Spurs legend.

Despite the rivalry, Dirk Nowitzki earned the respect of Spurs legend

The rivalry in 2000 was at its peak when it came to San Antonio and Dallas. From the 2001 Western Conference finals, where the German legend showed that he would be a problem for the league. To game 7 of the 2006 Western Conference Semi-finals, where the Mavs finally beat the Spurs to create a legacy of their own. Nowitzki’s record against them was 29-49, likely the reason behind his hatred. But all water seems to be under the bridge now, as Tony Parker credited the Mavs icon during the Hall of Fame induction week.

Parker was all praise for Nowitzki as he said, “It started with Dirk,” Parker said. “Dirk paved the way. I always say Dirk is the GOAT for European basketball. He was the one who was the first one to be a franchise player.” Considering all the legendary imports from Europe who carved their names in the NBA history, this is indeed another proof that Parker holds the German in very high esteem.

Parker believes that Nowitzki was special in setting the tone and transforming the landscape for players from Europe. So, when it came to treating the European royalty, it made sense that Roland-Garros was the right spot, as they witnessed the birth of another legendary rivalry as the two young guns take the world of tennis by storm.