Editor's note: This story appears in ESPN The Magazine's Feb. 4 Perfect Issue. Subscribe today!

After 14 years in the NBA, German-born Dirk Nowitzki is an 11-time All-Star and the Dallas Mavericks' all-time leading scorer. After missing the first two months of the 2012-13 season due to injury, Nowitzki is averaging 13.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

What was the most unrealistic New Year’s resolution you ever made?

To be a better person. I try, but it’s hard.

What is the biggest misconception about you?

That I have no personality.

Who would you say is the most media-savvy athlete?

Jason Kidd. He’s very intelligent, very smart and has a great vocabulary.

If you could go to dinner with one person, dead or alive, whom would it be?

The greatest of all time, Muhammad Ali. He signed some gloves for me when I won the NBA championship. That was a great moment.

What is your most prized possession?

My cars. I’m not big on material things, but I like my cars. They are German-made and custom-made.

Who is your celebrity crush?

I don’t have one, but when I was young it was Steffi Graf. She was one of the greatest tennis players to ever play the game, and she is German -- that got me.