NBA All-Star Game 2026: the All-Snub Team, the most shocking omissions

Los Angeles will host the NBA All-Star Game 2026, but paradoxically the stage of the Intuit Dome will not feature a single representative from the Los Angeles Clippers. A detail that already says a lot about an edition destined to spark debate.

On Sunday, the NBA announced the All-Star reserves, selected by coaches from both Conferences, for the February 15 event. And as every year, alongside the chosen names come the exclusions. From here comes Andscape’s NBA All-Snub Team 2026, a selection of the most deserving players left out of the All-Star Game despite high-level numbers and performances.

With the new “USA vs World” format – featuring two American teams and one international team competing in 12-minute mini-games – some omissions are even harder to explain.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

All-Star numbers, but not enough

Banchero reaches the season’s midpoint ranked among the NBA’s top 25 in points and rebounds, while also averaging 4.9 assists. A complete statistical package that, on paper, should guarantee a second consecutive All-Star selection.

What likely weighed against him was Orlando’s inconsistent record (25-22) and a few games missed early in the season due to injury — a context that ended up overshadowing an individual performance worthy of a franchise leader.

Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic

Immediate impact, delayed recognition

Acquired as a key reinforcement, Bane delivered 19.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Consistent production, offensive responsibility, and clear on-court impact.

The missed selection also means no first career All-Star appearance yet, once again suggesting that the Magic’s team record mattered more than individual value.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

When talent isn’t enough against injuries

The numbers are MVP-level: 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. The issue is availability – only 28 games played due to injuries.

For the second straight year, the Sixers’ center misses the All-Star Game. A decision that reflects a clear league stance: availability and continuity matter as much as talent.

James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

Home sweet home… without an All-Star

Harden is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.1 made three-pointers per game, firmly placing him among the NBA’s top scorers.

Yet the Los Angeles native won’t represent the Clippers in the All-Star Game played in his hometown. For the 11-time All-Star, this is his fifth exclusion in the last six seasons – a clear sign of how his perception around the league has changed.

Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors

Leader-level production, limited space

Ingram leads the Raptors in scoring with 21.9 points per game, adding 5.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Toronto also owns the fourth-best record in the East (29-21).

Despite this, coaches chose to reward just one name: Scottie Barnes. A decision that leaves Ingram out despite a solid and consistent season.

Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

A comeback ignored

Leonard is enjoying one of the best offensive seasons of his career: 27.7 points per game, seventh-best in the NBA, along with elite steals numbers and free-throw efficiency.

Numbers that speak for themselves – yet not enough. For the six-time All-Star, this is the fourth exclusion in the last five seasons. The Clippers’ record doesn’t help, but the sense is that his current level has been underestimated.

That said, he could replace Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Bucks star fails to recover in time from injury.

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

Excluded even from the “World Team”

With 27.4 points per game, Markkanen ranks ninth in the NBA in scoring. The Finnish forward seemed a natural candidate for the international team under the new “World” format.

Instead, nothing. After his 2023 selection, he now faces three straight seasons without an All-Star nod despite elite offensive production.

Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Career-high numbers, punished by context

In his first season with Brooklyn, Porter Jr. posts career highs in points (25.6), rebounds (7.3), and assists (3.2). Individually, there’s little to criticize.

The issue is context: the Nets have the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference, and the franchise hasn’t sent a player to the All-Star Game since 2022 (Kevin Durant). A steep price for a player who has done everything possible on a personal level.

Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets

When talent still isn’t enough

Şengün has shown plenty of promise with the Rockets, which is why we included him in Andscape’s list. His numbers clearly suggest All-Star potential. However, the Western Conference is extremely competitive, so his exclusion isn’t shocking. He remains a name to watch: along with Leonard, he could replace Giannis Antetokounmpo if the Bucks star is unable to recover in time.

An All-Snub Team that fuels debate

As Andscape points out, this selection says far more than who simply missed out. It reflects Conference balance, the weight of team records, physical continuity, and an increasingly selective league.

The NBA All-Star Game 2026 promises spectacle – but the list of omissions remains long, and for many, hard to accept.