NBA All-Star Game: Leonard Snubbed, Lue: “He’s the Best Player in the NBA”
Kawhi Leonard left off the All-Star Game, but Tyronn Lue doesn’t accept it, praising him as the driving force behind the Clippers’ resurgence after a 6-21 start.
There are seasons that tell a different story than what the All-Star selections suggest. Kawhi Leonard’s is one of them. Over the past month and a half, the Los Angeles Clippers have completely changed their identity, pace, and ambitions. And there is one clear reason: Kawhi is back to being Kawhi. Dominant, quiet, relentless.
The numbers speak for themselves. Leonard is averaging 27.7 points per game, a career high, with absurd efficiency: nearly 50% from the field, 40% from three, and over 93% at the free-throw line. On top of that come rebounds, assists, and above all 2.1 steals per game, the best mark in the entire NBA. All-Star textbook production. And yet, his name did not appear among the reserves selected by the coaches.
Congratulations to all the guys who were selected, they deserve it. But Kawhi, in my opinion, over the last six weeks has been the best player in the NBA.
Tyronn Lue
It is a historic snub, the most glaring among those left out: never before had a player with these averages missed the NBA All-Star Game. The paradox becomes even heavier when viewed in context. The Clippers started the season 6-21, a campaign that already looked lost. Then Kawhi raised his level, game after game, dragging L.A. out of the hole and back into contention.
Fifty percent from the field, 40% from three, 90% from the line, nearly 28 points per game, and what he did to pull this team out of adversity. We started 6-21, and getting to where we are now makes it even harder to accept. I feel bad for Kawhi, but I’m happy for all the players who were selected.
Tyronn Lue
Tyronn Lue did not hide his bitterness, openly calling Leonard the best player in the NBA over the last six weeks. A strong statement, but one that is hard to dispute for anyone who has watched Leonard recently.
The situation is even louder considering that the Clippers will host the NBA All-Star Game 2026 at the new Intuit Dome. Having a superstar playing at this level and not seeing him on the stage is a tough blow. Still, the door is not completely closed: in the event of an injury replacement – Giannis Antetokounmpo could withdraw if he does not recover in time – Kawhi is the first name on the list.
Right now, he remains outside the big show. But one thing is certain: Leonard does not need an All-Star selection to prove who he is. His All-Star Game, as so often happens, is being played every night on the court.