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Adam Silver Adds Kawhi Leonard to 2026 All-Star Pool Under New USA–World Rules

The commissioner’s move satisfies the format’s minimum U.S. player requirement after coaches’ picks left the Clippers star off the initial roster.

Feb 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 05: Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors defends against the dribble of Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Intuit Dome on January 05, 2026 in Inglewood, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Feb 2, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Jan 30, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after committing a turnover against the Detroit Pistons in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Leonard was added by the league office to raise the U.S. total to 16, the minimum required for this year’s format.
  • The All-Star Game will feature two U.S. teams and one World team in a round-robin of four 12-minute games with at least eight players per team.
  • The Clippers forward had been a notable omission from the coaches’ reserves despite averaging 27.6 points with high efficiency and a league-leading steals rate.
  • Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and multiple media voices criticized the initial snub, fueling broader calls for more transparency around voting.
  • LeBron James was selected as a reserve, extending his record to 22 consecutive All-Star nods as the host venue initially had no Clippers representation.