US EditionSwanson: The curious case of Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star snub
Despite averaging 30.2 points per game and leading a 17-4 surge, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden were left off the 2026 NBA All-Star reserves amid debate over selection criteria.
- The NBA announced the 2026 All-Star reserves on Sunday, omitting Kawhi Leonard and James Harden despite the Clippers hosting at the Intuit Dome.
- NBA coaches' reserve voting prioritized team records, and critics said at least one reserve was a 'charity pick' for LeBron James, limiting spots for other players.
- Kawhi Leonard's numbers show elite two-way performance, averaging 30.2 points and helping the Clippers go 17-4 during his recent surge, while shooting near 50-40-90 and posting 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.0 blocks.
- The omission gives both players extra rest during the Clippers' All-Star break while leaving a chance for injury replacement and fueling motivation.
- Some observers linked the snub to off-court investigations, while LeBron's 22nd All-Star appearance illustrates star power shaping selections.
14 Articles
14 Articles
San Bernardino Sun
Swanson: The curious case of Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star snub
Worth watching again, and we all know why: Because of who the “heart and soul” of the team is. The season would be so different if not for this crucial member of the cast “coming in to fill a role” by performing like an All-Star and completing “a near-impossible task” in the process. Dang, did Kawhi Leonard get snubbed … just like Chase Infiniti did. One by the NBA, the other by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Those quotes are a…
Clippers' Lue: 'It's unfortunate' Kawhi wasn't selected for All-Star Game
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue echoed the sentiments of many NBA fans on the heels of Sunday’s 2026 All-Star Game reserves announcement. Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard was not among the 14 players picked by the league’s coaches for the midseason exhibition, an omission that Lue laments. “It’s unfortunate. To me, he’s been the […] The post Clippers’ Lue: ‘It’s unfortunate’ Kawhi wasn’t selected for All-Star Game appeared first on Spor…
Dwight Howard Claims 2026 NBA All-Star List Missed a Few Big Names
Dwight Howard (Image Credits: Imagn) Almost every NBA season, the announcement of the All-Star rosters sparks debate. This year has been no different. Several high-profile players were left off the list. The absence of names like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Alperen Sengun quickly became a major talking point across the league. Former NBA star Dwight Howard has now added his voice to the criticism. On X, Howard expressed his frustration with…
Chet Holmgren joins Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as an All-Star for the first time
Like Jalen Williams did a season ago, Chet Holmgren has made his first Western Conference All-Star team in his third season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was previously named a a starter (his fourth career All-Star selection) as voted on by fans, players, and media members, while Holmgren was selected as a reserve by the league's coaches.Shai and Chet will be joined by at least one Thunder teammate in Los Angeles for the festivities, with Ajay Mitche…
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