The 2026 All-Star Game roster is out, and it’s already sparking heated debates. But here’s where it gets controversial: some of the league’s most impactful players were left off the list, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads. Among the biggest ‘snubs’ are Kawhi Leonard and Alperen Şengün, whose absences have ignited discussions about what truly defines All-Star caliber. Let’s dive into the top 10 players who were overlooked, exploring their contributions and why their exclusions are so baffling.
When we talk about ‘snubs,’ it’s easy to assume these players were robbed of a spot they deserved. And this is the part most people miss: the All-Star Game has a fixed number of slots, and even with the new format requiring at least 16 American and 8 international players, competition is fiercer than ever. The players who made it are undoubtedly having stellar seasons, but that doesn’t diminish the achievements of those left behind. Here’s a breakdown of The Athletic’s top 10 ‘snubs,’ focusing solely on this season’s performance.
10. De’Aaron Fox, Spurs: While Victor Wembanyama grabs the headlines for San Antonio’s rise, Fox has been the team’s offensive heartbeat since returning from injury. The Spurs’ offense ranks in the bottom 10 when he’s off the court but soars into the top 10 when he plays. Despite a reduced usage rate compared to his Sacramento days, he’s averaging 19.9 points and 6.1 assists per game—numbers that demand attention.
9. Julius Randle, Timberwolves: Randle is a polarizing figure. Some see him as a ball-stopper, while others view him as a reliable second scorer who steps up when his co-star is out. This season, he’s scoring more efficiently per minute than in his first year with Minnesota and leads the Timberwolves in assists. Was it enough for his first All-Star nod with the team? Apparently not, but the debate rages on.
8. Derrick White, Celtics: With Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum sidelined, White has been the Celtics’ unsung hero. He’s the league’s best shot-blocking guard with 67 blocks and joins Scottie Barnes as the only players with 50+ steals and rebounds. However, his shooting struggles—career-worst field goal and 3-point percentages—may have cost him a spot. Bold question: Should defensive impact outweigh offensive inconsistencies in All-Star selections?
7. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers: The reigning Defensive Player of the Year hasn’t made the offensive leap many expected, with his 3-point shooting dropping to 30.4%. Yet, the Cavaliers are significantly better defensively with him on the floor, and he’s blocking shots at a career-high rate. Controversial take: Is Mobley’s defensive dominance enough to warrant an All-Star nod, even with his offensive struggles?
6. Michael Porter Jr., Nets: Traded by the Nuggets, Porter has thrived as the Nets’ primary scorer, maintaining efficiency while increasing his free-throw attempts. His 39.8% 3-point shooting is elite, and the Nets’ offense crumbles without him. In a weaker Eastern Conference, his case for an All-Star spot was arguably stronger than most. Thought-provoking question: Are players on less-watched teams unfairly overlooked?
5. Jimmy Butler, Warriors: Butler’s ACL tear in January ended his All-Star hopes, but his season was stellar. Advanced metrics rank him fifth in win shares, behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Tyrese Maxey, and Kevin Durant. Bold statement: If healthy, Butler’s impact would have been undeniable, but does team success outweigh individual performance?
4. Lauri Markkanen, Jazz: Averaging 27.4 points per game—his career-best—Markkanen ranks ninth in scoring. The Jazz are outscored by just 1.9 points per 100 possessions with him on the court, a testament to his value. Yet, he was snubbed for his second All-Star appearance. Controversial interpretation: Are players on struggling teams penalized, even when they’re carrying the load?
3. James Harden, Clippers: At 36, Harden is defying age, averaging 25.4 points per game—his highest since 2019-20. He’s elite at drawing fouls, and the Clippers’ offense is 12 points per 100 possessions better with him. Question for the audience: Is Harden’s resurgence enough to earn him a spot, or is his age working against him?
2. Alperen Şengün, Rockets: The Turkish center has been a force, averaging 21.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 9.2 rebounds. Only Şengün, Jokić, and Jalen Johnson are in the 20/6/9 club this season. His exclusion is baffling, especially as the Rockets emerge as contenders. Bold claim: Şengün’s all-around game deserves more recognition. Do you agree?
1. Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: Kawhi’s per-minute impact is undeniable, averaging career-high 27.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. Despite missing 13 games, he’s produced more win shares than all but Jokić. Final thought-provoking question: Should availability trump per-minute dominance in All-Star selections? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
