Top 6 NBA All-Star Game 2026 Snubs Ranked by Egregiousness
The NBA All-Star Game of 2026 is set to follow an intriguing new format featuring teams representing the USA and the World. With the game scheduled for mid-February, it will comprise three teams of eight players each, competing in a series of 12-minute matchups. The top two teams will advance based on point differential, a significant shift from the traditional East vs. West format.
Notable NBA All-Star Game 2026 Snubs
As with any All-Star selection, some talented players were left off the roster. Below are the top six NBA All-Star Game 2026 snubs, ranked based on the merit of their performances:
6. Julius Randle – Minnesota Timberwolves
- Points per game: 22.3
- Rebounds per game: 6.9
- Assists per game: 5.4
- True shooting percentage: 60.1%
Despite an impressive season, Randle’s three-point shooting at 33.5% held him back from making the All-Star cut.
5. James Harden – Los Angeles Clippers
- Points per game: 25.4
- Rebounds per game: 4.8
- Assists per game: 8.1
- True shooting percentage: 60%
At 36 years old, Harden continues to show elite performance, but the Clippers’ slow start impacted his chances greatly.
4. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
- Points per game: 26.2
- Rebounds per game: 7.5
- Assists per game: 3.9
- True shooting percentage: 60%
Although Embiid has returned to strong form, his limited games played this season affected his All-Star bid.
3. Alperen Sengun – Houston Rockets
- Points per game: 20.9
- Rebounds per game: 9.2
- Assists per game: 6.3
- True shooting percentage: 55.4%
Sengun brings versatility to the Rockets but fell short compared to other frontcourt players considered for the All-Star team.
2. Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers
- Points per game: 27.7
- Rebounds per game: 6.1
- Assists per game: 3.5
- True shooting percentage: 62.8%
Leonard’s strong performances, especially towards the season’s end, make his omission surprising as he has played at an All-Star level.
1. Michael Porter Jr. – Brooklyn Nets
- Points per game: 25.6
- Rebounds per game: 7.3
- Assists per game: 3.2
- True shooting percentage: 61.8%
Since his trade from the Denver Nuggets, Porter has thrived. His outputs suggest he deserved a spot amid tough competition.
In summary, the NBA All-Star Game 2026 is not just about the rosters but also the narratives of those who narrowly missed out on the opportunity to showcase their talent on one of basketball’s biggest stages.
