When the All-Star Game tips off in Charlotte, N.C. on Feb. 17, there will be some familiar, old faces on the end of the bench.
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade and Dallas Mavericks big man Dirk Nowitzki were added Friday to the 2019 All-Star Game as "special team roster additions," the NBA announced.
"Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade embody the best of the NBA: remarkable skill, drive and professionalism as well as a deep devotion to strengthening their communities and growing the game around the world," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "As a global celebration of basketball, our All-Star Game is an ideal setting to salute these first-class NBA champions and Finals MVPs."
The two Hall of Fame-bound legends will be added as a special third round to the All-Star Game draft. After captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have drafted their fellow starters (round one) and reserves (round two), James will have the first selection between Wade, his former Miami Heat teammate with whom he captured two NBA titles, or Nowitzki, the rival star that beat out James and Wade in the 2011 Finals.
Prior to the season, the 37-year-old Wade announced his intention to retire upon the conclusion of the current campaign.
Nowitzki, 40, is in his 21st year with the Mavericks, an NBA record for most seasons with one team. He has not announced his plans beyond the 2018-19 campaign.
