Snubs & Politics 2026 NBA All-Star Selections: Surprises Kawhi Leonard over multiple names on West

Описание: 🚨 Biggest Snubs
Now this is where things get spicy.
❌ Kawhi Leonard
This one is inexcusable.

Kawhi has been a top-10 player this season — period.
After a slow start, the Clippers caught fire after Christmas, and Kawhi has been the engine. Two-way dominance, calm leadership, playoff-level basketball every night.

If we’re talking strictly hoops, Kawhi Leonard should have been in over multiple names on that West roster.
If I’m picking between a multi-time Finals MVP still playing elite defense and someone coasting on history? I’m taking Kawhi every time.

❌ Alperen Şengün
This one hurts.

Şengün was a first-time All-Star last season and somehow got better across the board — improved defense, stronger numbers, more responsibility — while helping lead the Houston Rockets to the second-best point differential in the West.

Houston deserved two All-Stars. Kevin Durant was automatic — no debate.
But Şengün not making it? That feels like punishment for not being flashy enough.

If it came down to Şengün vs Devin Booker this year?
I’m sorry — I’m taking Şengün.

⭐ Biggest Surprise on the Roster
Let’s start with Karl-Anthony Towns.

Look — KAT has the résumé. No debate.
But if we’re being honest, his inclusion raised eyebrows.

This season, the Knicks have been… fine. Not dominant. Not scary. Just fine.
And if you’ve actually watched the games, Mikal Bridges has arguably been New York’s second-best player behind Jalen Brunson. He’s defended at a high level, shown up nightly, and done the dirty work.

So while Towns making it isn’t crazy — it is surprising when you consider the pessimism around his impact this season. This feels like a nod to reputation more than dominance.

And then there’s the elephant in the room…

👑 LeBron James
Yes, that LeBron.

It sounds wild to say, but LeBron making his 22nd straight All-Star Game was genuinely surprising.
He missed the first month. His counting stats are down. He’s 41 years old. And the Western Conference player pool is absolutely stacked.

And yet — his name was the last one revealed, almost like the league saying:
“We can’t not put him in.”

That’s not hate. That’s reality. LeBron has earned the benefit of the doubt for two decades — but this selection shows just how thin the margin has become between legacy and current impact.