After the NBA 75th Anniversary Team ceremony during the All-Star Game, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo opened up about his admiration for Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki.

While there were other several legends in attendance in Cleveland, the Bucks forward shared how meeting and sitting next to Nowitzki was an incredible moment for him. After all, it was the German sharpshooter who paved the way for Europeans like him to dream and believe that they can win and thrive in the NBA.

Now, in an interview with NBA insider Marc Stein, it's Nowitzki who talked about the moment with Giannis and what the Bucks champion told him. While Nowitzki doesn't usually make a big deal out of it, hearing from Antetokounmpo how important he is to him and the whole of Europe felt incredible.

“Giannis [Antetokounmpo] talked to me for a bit about how we were the only two Euros in that picture. I don’t usually get a lot of tickles out of stuff like that, but this was something else. Just super honored to be in that room,” Nowitzki shared.

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It certainly speaks volumes on Dirk Nowitzki's impact that he's one of two Euro players in the NBA Top 75. While he is often compared to other greats at his position, there is no doubt his impact transcends beyond basketball.

Not only did he pioneer the evolution of the game and the call for mobile, shooting big men, but he also represented the game as a global ambassador.

With all he has achieved in the NBA with the Mavs, it's no surprise Giannis Antetokounmpo holds him in high regard.