Kawhi Leonard added to 2026 NBA All-Star Game roster for Team USA

The 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game rosters were recently revealed, but one glaring omission initially shocked fans and sparked widespread debate across social media. Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, widely regarded as one of the premier players of his generation, was absent from the list of 10 starters and 14 reserves announced for both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

However, the drama came to an end on Tuesday, February 3, when NBA commissioner Adam Silver officially added Leonard to the All-Star roster. This year, the NBA is implementing a USA vs. World format, featuring two teams: one composed entirely of American players and the other of international stars. Leonard’s addition ensures that Team USA has the minimum required 16 players to compete in the exhibition.

NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:

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“Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been selected to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. After the selection of the initial 24 All-Stars, Leonard was added to bring the total number of U.S. All-Stars to 16, the minimum required.”

Charania also noted that Leonard was added because reserve Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to play for the World Team. While Towns grew up in New Jersey, he has represented the Dominican Republic at the international level since he was 16 years old, making him ineligible for Team USA in this unique format.

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has been selected to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. After the selection of the initial 24 All-Stars, Leonard was added to bring the total number of U.S. All-Stars to 16, the minimum required.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026

At 34 years old, Leonard has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence this season after years plagued by injuries. The small forward is averaging a career-high 27.6 points per game—ranking seventh in the league—along with 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and a league-leading 2.06 steals across 36 appearances. He has scored at least 20 points in each of his last 28 games, highlighted by a career-high 55-point performance against the Detroit Pistons on December 28. Leonard’s return to peak form has silenced critics and reinforced his status as one of the NBA’s most dominant two-way players.

This selection marks Leonard’s seventh All-Star appearance and adds to his decorated career, which includes winning the All-Star Game MVP (Kobe Bryant Trophy) in 2020. Known for his stoic demeanor and defensive prowess, Leonard has consistently impacted games on both ends of the floor, earning him recognition as one of the league’s elite two-way talents.

Leonard’s path to superstardom began in 2011, when he was selected 15th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Draft, only to be immediately traded to the San Antonio Spurs. In San Antonio, Leonard flourished under coach Gregg Popovich, winning the 2014 NBA championship and earning Finals MVP honors for his performance in the series.

In 2018, Leonard was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he delivered perhaps the defining moment of his career: leading the franchise to its first-ever NBA championship in 2019, while also capturing his second Finals MVP award. He later joined the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing to showcase his elite skills, although injuries have intermittently limited his playing time.

Despite these setbacks, Leonard’s resume is among the most impressive in modern basketball. He is a two-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 2020 All-Star Game MVP, two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 2015 NBA steals leader, and a seven-time NBA All-Star. His defensive acumen, scoring versatility, and ability to rise in crucial moments have cemented him as one of the most feared opponents in the league.

With Leonard finally added to the All-Star roster, fans can now look forward to seeing one of the NBA’s most accomplished players compete in this year’s USA vs. World spectacle—a matchup that promises to feature high-flying dunks, clutch shots, and elite defense from both sides of the court. Leonard’s inclusion not only fills a critical roster spot for Team USA but also adds another layer of excitement and star power to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

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