Which NBA Players Were Clearly All-Star Snubs?

Every February, for the past three-quarters of a century, something special happens.

It isn’t Groundhog Day, Presidents Day or Valentine’s Day. Instead, it’s the gathering of the best basketball players on the planet, all in the same gym and all playing on the same court. This tradition, which first started in 1951, is the NBA All-Star Game. 

On Monday, the league released the full list of All-Star reserves from each conference (voted on by NBA coaches). But, like many traditions, there is another that lies within it.

In this case, the latter takes the form of snubbing. As many NBA fans have come to know all too well, it wouldn’t be a true All-Star Game without a few deserving players not being selected to the roster.

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With that said, here are the biggest snubs for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

Snub #1: Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard was initially not named to the All-Star game roster. However, to satisfy the requisite number of American players for the new USA vs. World format, Leonard was added as the 25th player.

Leonard is already a six-time All Star. While he might not have been too hurt being left out, it would be an injustice to not make a case for him.

The 34-year-old is playing some of the best ball of his career. He’s averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per outing. Leonard currently ranks seventh in points per game in the league, as of Tuesday. This year, he is also pacing to reach a career-high in that department.

Additionally, the two-time Finals MVP sits tied for second in the league in steals per game (2.1), while simultaneously flirting with a 50/40/90 season on the offensive end. Leonard’s shooting splits through 36 games are 49.7/39.8/91.3. If he can slightly raise his field goal and three-point efficiency, it would be the first of his 14-year career.

Ultimately, Leonard is at the helm of one of the hottest teams in the NBA. After starting 6-23, the Los Angeles Clippers find themselves at 23-26. When No. 2 plays, they are 19-17. 

To add insult to injury, the All Star Game is being played at the Clippers’ own arena. It would’ve been quite the slap in the face to leave him out.

Snub #2: Michael Porter Jr.

When Michael Porter Jr. was traded over the summer from the high altitudes of Denver to the southeast side of the Brooklyn Bridge, many believed he would flourish. They ended up being right.

Now, serving as “the guy” for the Nets, he is averaging a career-best 25.5 points per game. He’s currently in a tie for 13th in points per game in the NBA. His 7.3 rebounds per contest is currently tied for his career high.

Although Brooklyn is 29 games below-.500 and remains an inconsequential team this year, Porter Jr. has not. Similar to Leonard, a 50/40/90 season is within his grasp. The 27-year old has splits of 48.0/38.9/84.7.

Regardless of his team’s current 13-36 record, Porter Jr. continues to prove he can score and shoot at an elite level, while doing so consistently. Also, his reputation of never swinging the rock should be toned down too. His usage rating of 29.5% is lower than more than a handful of All-Stars selected this year.

Snub #3: Lauri Markkanen

Like Porter Jr., Markkanen’s magnificent season is arguably suffering from the jersey he wears. Utah is currently 16-35 overall, good for just 13th in the Western Conference. The Jazz have faltered this season. But, Markkanen’s play has not.

The 28-year old from Finland is averaging a career-best in scoring, pouring in 27.4 points per game. That’s the most he has scored per game since 2022-23, the one and only season he secured an All-Star nod. That mark is also good for 10th in the entire league, one spot behind Leonard. He’s also doing decent work on the boards, grabbing seven a contest.

The 2023 Most Improved Player continues to be efficient as well, with splits of 47.7/35.7/88.8. 

As well-deserving as these three players are, there are even more who could be considered snubs. The list could include notable names like Alperen Sengun and Paolo Banchero.

Overall, there is plenty of productive stars who will be off the All-Star roster this season.