Adam Silver Adds Kawhi Leonard to NBA All-Star U.S. Player Pool

Jordan Hartwell

Published: February 4, 2026 11:20 PM ET

Adam Silver Adds Kawhi Leonard to NBA All-Star U.S. Player Pool

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has named Kawhi Leonard to the All-Star Game roster, enhancing the U.S. player pool for the upcoming event. This marks a significant recognition for Leonard, who has demonstrated tremendous performance this season.

Kawhi Leonard’s All-Star Achievement

Kawhi Leonard, a forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, is now a seven-time NBA All-Star. Initially overlooked for the reserves, his inclusion ensures the U.S. team meets the minimum requirement of 16 players. This will be his fourth appearance as a member of the Clippers.

Career Performance Highlights

Current average points: 27.6 per game, a career-high.
Leads the NBA in steals with an average of 2.1 per game.
Averaging 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season.
Notable shooting percentage: 49.7% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.
Exceptional free-throw shooting at 91.3%.

Leonard’s contributions have been pivotal in the recent turnaround for the Clippers, who began the season unfavorably with a record of 6-21. Over the past month, he has played a crucial role in their recovery, helping the team secure 17 wins in 22 games.

Past Achievements and Awards

First All-Star appearance: 2016 with the San Antonio Spurs.
Won All-Star Game MVP in 2020.

His recent scoring surge places him fourth in the league, following fellow All-Stars Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards. He has averaged 30.2 points per game since December 20, showcasing his elite status in the league.

Controversies Surrounding the Clippers

Despite these accomplishments, Leonard’s All-Star selection comes amid an investigation into the Clippers’ compliance with NBA salary-cap regulations. Additionally, his team is managing the contract situation of 2025 All-Star James Harden, who is seeking a trade.

The Clippers find themselves in a challenging position, currently ranked ninth in the Western Conference with a 23-26 record. Leonard’s performance will be essential as they aim for upward mobility in the standings.