Always the most star-studded event of the entire NBA season, All-Star weekend operates as the ideal time for the league’s best players to get to know each other off the court as well as on it.
In his second appearance at the annual All-Star festivities, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal was trying to do more than just build relationships. In fact, Beal told NBC Washington’s Chase Hughes that he was trying to recruit players to join Washington during his stay in Charlotte.
“The recruiting process is really going alright. It’s going alright. I’m trying,” Beal said. “This is new for me. I’m definitely getting some ears and seeing what guys are looking for.”
He said he asked players about their situations and whether they were happy playing where they are. And to his surprise, some players came up to him and started the conversation themselves. Some asked about his situation, likely wondering if he would want to leave.
But it sounds like some may have inquired about what it would be like to play for the Wizards.
Beal said he got questions like: “So, what are y’all doing in D.C.?” and “How is D.C.?”
Players moving around and looking to team up with other stars is a movement that’s taken the league by storm in recent years. With the juggernaut Golden State Warriors still together nearly half a decade into their dynasty, other stars have decided that teaming up may be the only feasible solution.
Bradley Beal was visibly more comfortable in this his second All-Star appearance, and his recruitment work could pay huge dividends for Washington. The Wizards shipped away both Markieff Morris and Otto Porter prior to the trade deadline, resulting in more cap flexibility for the Wiz than they’ve had maybe in years.
Beal himself has blossomed into a full-blown superstar this season but without another star and John Wall’s injury status clouding up the future, Beal knows Washington will need a big free agency period to remain relevant in the East. “I’m gonna keep it in my piggy bank, in my back pocket. Hopefully we can do something.”
