Roundtable: Most Likely Maverick to…Make it to All-Star Weekend

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DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 25: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 25, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Harrison Barnes

“Harrison Barnes is indisputably the Mavericks best player right now and for that reason he gets this nod by default. Barnes is posting career high averages in both points and rebounds so far this season and he makes Rick Carlisle’s offense go. Unfortunately, the Western Conference has more stars than a 50 turn Mario Party game so I’d put Barnes’ chances at slim-to-none.” –Sean Bush

“Barnes is still the best player on this team. A refined offensive game has made Barnes an ideal All-Star candidate in his second year in Dallas. He will have to increase his numbers some to get deeper into the race, but Barnes figures to take that next step this year. Having a competent point guard in Dennis Smith Jr. helps Barnes’ offensive progressions as well.” –Evan Siegel

DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 18: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Thon Maker #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at American Airlines Center on November 18, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Dirk Nowitzki

“I can’t be the only one here that remembers the fact that Dirk was an automatic All-Star every year for over a decade, can I? Listen, Dirk may not be the best player on the team anymore, he may not be a top flight power forward/center in the west at this point, and he may not be willing to play in an All-Star game even if he did get the call, but if ever there was a player deserving of an All-Star game in his (rumored) farewell tour, it is Dirk Nowitzki. He is my pick to get the fan vote this year and represent the Mavericks.” –Kohl Rast

An Outsider

“If we’re speaking of the actual All-Star game, it would probably someone outside of our current roster (e.g. Boogie next year or our 2018 first rounder). Dennis Smith, our only potentially All Star level player, is stuck behind a logjam of talented guards in the overloaded West.

If we include the dunk contest and 3 point shootout however, the answer would almost assuredly be Smith in the dunk contest. Unfortunately, for as many threes as the Mavs shoot, no one really converts at a great clip (I also haven’t forgotten about Wes’ miserable showing in last year’s shootout).” –Paul Wang

Next: Are the Dallas Mavericks Showing Their True Potential?

Dennis Smith Jr. has been a favorite since before he even got drafted to one day be a part of the NBA Dunk Contest. There is good reason to believe that he could represent the Mavericks during All-Star weekend, but others could make their case as time goes on. Who is it going to be?

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