The shared home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars has honored another of its favorite athletes. Ex-Stars player Mike Modano recently had his own statue unveiled at American Airlines Center. The statue sits directly across from the statue of Mavericks’ icon Dirk Nowitzki. The Stanley Cup winner expressed his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him, along with a special thanks to the Dunking Deutschman.

“Its hard to get into words what this has meant. I am thankful for Dirk for saving me a spot up there in the plaza. I couldn’t think of a better guy to be up there next to, so thanks Dirk,” Modano said in his speech during the ceremony. The 2011 NBA Finals MVP also took the opportunity to congratulate Modano. “Statue looks great my man. Well deserved!! Congrats ! @9modano,” Nowitzki posted on X.

It is worth mentioning that the statue comes for Mike after almost a decade after his jersey retirement. And Dirk’s statue was unveiled on Christmas Day in 2022, 3 years after his retirement. The two statues reflect the contribution made and accolades won by the two stars for the city of Dallas.

Modano is the NHL’s all-time leader in points and goals among American-born players. Additionally, he was also a part of the Dallas Stars’ line-up that brought the team its first and only Stanley Cup in 1999. Dirk Nowitzki bringing the maiden and only NBA championship for Dallas Mavericks in 2011 reflects the parallels between the careers of the two players.

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These achievements became a foundation of a bond based on mutual respect and dedication towards the city of Dallas. This mutual respect later transcended the boundaries of different sports, developing into a friendship between the two players.

A closer look into the Dirk Nowitzki-Mike Modano bond

The duo was first introduced to each other by Steve Nash. “Getting introduced to him by Steve Nash, we just kind of hit it off,” Modano had once stated to Stars’ official website. He further admitted that their inherent winning attitude and fun-loving nature became a strong bonding factor between the two players.

Modano had further mentioned how their paths were also similar despite the sports being different. “We each fought our way and did the best we could, and it was fun to help rebuild organizations and earn whatever we got… We were both drafted by our team, we both went through growing pains with different coaches, different towns, and different teammates,” he stated.

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This bond has now gained a permanence of sorts with the two stars having their statues at their shared home-ground. What are your thoughts on this story?

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