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14h ago

Adam Silver Adds Kawhi Leonard to U.S. All-Star Pool Under New USA vs. World Rules

The decision ensures the mandated 16 American players, giving the host Clippers an All-Star for the Feb. 15 mini-tournament.

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
Image
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

Overview

  • Kawhi Leonard was initially left off the coaches’ reserve list but was named by the commissioner as a seventh-time All-Star, restoring Clippers representation for the Intuit Dome showcase.
  • The 2026 format features two U.S. teams and one World team in a round-robin of four 12-minute games, with at least eight players per team and league authority to add players to meet those thresholds.
  • League and media reports indicate Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to join the World team, a shift that contributed to the need to reach 16 U.S. All-Stars before team assignments were finalized.
  • Leonard is averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists with a league-leading steals rate, fueling widespread criticism of his original omission.
  • LeBron James remains a Western reserve, extending his All-Star streak to 22 consecutive seasons as rosters for the USA vs. World format are set for Feb. 15.