Kawhi Leonard
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MAY 01: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers reacts as he leaves the court after a stop in play against the Denver Nuggets in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on May 01, 2025 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
Many NBA fans and pundits named Kawhi Leonard as the biggest All-Star snub after the reserves were announced on Sunday evening. Leonard felt like a strong pick to represent the Los Angeles Clippers since they will be hosting the All-Star Weekend festivities. However, names like LeBron James, Chet Holmgren and Deni Avdija received the final spots via coaches votes to see Leonard missing out on the Western Conference side.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst revealed on ESPN that he believes Leonard’s off-court controversy cost him the spot:
“The reaction in the league has been kind of universal between the executives that I’ve talked to, which is, Kawhi Leonard doesn’t make the team. So OK that happens, players get snubbed. Kawhi’s numbers are phenomenal, the game is obviously at Intuit Dome.
And the wonder is, did he not make this team because the coaches didn’t vote for him because of the accusations of the improper contract?”
Windhorst spoke more about this topic and made it clear that he believed Leonard was being punished for allegedly receiving money outside of his contract via the Aspiration scandal. The NBA front office has yet to issue out a punishment for Kawhi; despite claiming they started an investigation into the accusations before the regular season started.
Did Kawhi Leonard Get Snubbed?
Leonard’s name gets mentioned first in the All-Star snubs by many due to his incredible stats this season and his overall legacy as a Hall of Fame superstar. Averages of 27.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists, with a chance of joining the 50/40/90 club, would typically be an easy All-Star selection.
The Clippers’ early struggles did hurt Leonard and James Harden in the All-Star selection process. However, Kawhi especially deserves credit for the turnaround with one of the best records in the league over the past two months.
Leonard rarely takes nights off due to how far behind the Clippers fell in the standings. The jump from one of the worst teams in the league to the tenth seed took a lot of work, but the coaches didn’t care. A close race with many deserving names in the West likely saw Windhorst’s claim come true of Leonard getting less votes due to his off-court controversy.
Can Kawhi Leonard Replace Injured Players?
The Clippers have a strong chance of getting another All-Star if injury replacements are needed. This year’s Team USA vs Team World format makes it a little more confusing since the East and West requirements no longer hold any real importance for the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s current injury could see him forced to sit out, and a few other players currently playing through injuries may opt to sit out. Both Harden and Leonard could be the next selections in line, especially due to Intuit Dome hosting the event and the Clippers needing representation.
Other “snubbed” names like Brandon Ingram, Michael Porter and Alperen Sengun could be realistic options as well. However, the Clippers appeal for this weekend and Leonard’s name value could easily see him as the first choice to replace an injured player.