From 1998 to 2004, one of the game's premier point guards and its most versatile big man shared the court for the Dallas Mavericks.

Together, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki resurrected the franchise that had one playoff appearance from 1988 to 2000. In that span, the Mavericks posted nine straight losing records, including two of the worst regular seasons in NBA history—11-71 in 1993 and 12-70 in 1994.

From 2001 to 2004, the duo led the Mavs to four straight playoff berths—but were only able to advance past the second round once.

After failing to win a title in Dallas, Nash signed as a free-agent with the team that drafted him—the Suns. Phoenix offered Nash a longer contract worth more money annually (six years, $10.5 million a year) than Mark Cuban was willing to offer him (four years, $9 million a year) to stay in Dallas.

The two superstars have been separated for six seasons. However, they have remained good friends— Dirk is the godfather of Steve's twin daughters.

While on different teams, both have both continued to produce.

Nash won back-to-back NBA MVP Awards in 2005 and 2006. He has been on the All-Star team in every season except 2009.

Nowitzki won his own NBA MVP Award in 2007 and has been selected to the All-Star game in all six seasons. 

Their friendship isn't the only thing that hasn't changed since Nash left for Phoenix. Despite their individual accolades, neither has found playoff success. Dirk's Mavericks are out of the playoffs, and Steve's Suns are down in their series with the Lakers.

Nowitzki is expected to opt out of his contract with Dallas and become a free agent. If Amar'e decides to opt out of his contract with the Suns, it would open the door for Dirk to sign with Phoenix and reunite with Nash.

Let’s take a look at the two players head-to-head using their 2009-2010 stats.

Nowitzki holds the edge in almost every category.

  • Points: Dirk, 25.0—Amar’e, 23.1
  • Rebounds: Dirk, 7.7—Amar’e, 8.9
  • Blocks:  Dirk, 1.0—Amar'e, 1.0 
  • Assists: Dirk, 2.7—Amar'e, 1.0
  • Steals: Dirk, 0.9—Amar'e, 0.6

The Suns would boast a starting lineup featuring two former MVP's and could potentially land another veteran free agent like Kenyon Martin, Peja Stojakovic, or Tracy McGrady.

When was the last time a team loaded up with a bunch of All-Stars who had never won championships in their careers? 2008.

How's that working out for Boston so far?

This is not likely to happen, and there have been no indications that it might. Who knows, Nash could talk him into it. Hey, if McNabb and Owens can reunite in Washington (and they didn’t even like each other), why can’t two old friends make it happen in Phoenix?