6 Players Scottie Barnes should be recruiting during All-Star weekend

1. Luka Doncic

The Mavericks missed the playoffs in 2023 and would currently be in the Play-In Tournament if the season ended today. They made upgrades at the trade deadline, but there are serious questions about the talent around Luka. If they miss the playoffs again or suffer another first-round exit, does Doncic begin to look at opportunities elsewhere?

The 24-year-old is under contract until 2026, but would not be the first young superstar to request a trade. The Mavs have Kyrie Irving, but their talent and depth beyond their two stars is lacking. They reached the conference finals in 2022 before losing Jalen Brunson in free agency. Another disappointing year could be the tipping point for the five-time All-Star.

Doncic needs a team built around him, but he has proven capable of being the best player on a conference finalist. Scottie Barnes would bring the defense and secondary playmaker Luka needs to reach that next level. They could be a fantastic young duo that wins a championship together.

This is the first of many All-Star appearances for Scottie Barnes. He should take it all in and enjoy the moment. There will be plenty of time for bonding and recruiting too. Can Barnes convince another star to join him in Toronto? He should try his best in Indianapolis.