Dirk says 'frosty' relationship with Wade is behind them

Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki were chosen as special roster additions for this year's NBA All-Star Game in what's expected to be their final seasons in the league.

The two franchise icons haven't always been on the best of terms over the years, but Nowitzki doesn't appear to be holding any grudges ahead of Wade's final visit to Dallas.

"Mutual respect," Nowitzki said, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. "Of course, like I've said, after (2006), we had some frosty times, but I think that's way behind us. I always say he pushed me to become the player in (2011) to ultimately win. There were some things said after the (2006) Finals, and both sides didn't love it."

Wade led the Miami Heat to their first NBA championship after trailing 0-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals against Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks.

After Nowitzki blamed the referees for some crucial missed calls following the Finals, Wade said, "Dirk was the reason they lost."

The German big man admitted there were some times when he and Wade "didn't speak much," but said he still kept tabs on the 13-time All-Star.

"I always watched from afar," Nowitzki said, according to MacMahon. "He's one of the best two guards to ever play the game. It's an honor to obviously represent in the All-Star Game with him. He pushed me and made me the player I became later."