CLEVELAND, Ohio — February means love is in the air, kids will have days off of school with snow days and holidays and the greatest basketball players in the world step on the hardwood for the most talented open-gym on the planet.

Yes, NBA All-Star weekend is right around the corner— that time of year when the league pauses real competition to celebrate its brightest stars, biggest personalities and most electrifying performers.

But with every All-Star selection comes the other half of the conversation. Who was left out?

For all the glitz, voting campaigns and made‑for‑TV roster reveals, the All-Star Game always produces a handful of head‑scratchers, overlooked standouts and full‑blown snubs.

And in a season packed with breakout campaigns, resurgent veterans, and MVP‑caliber dominance across the league, this year’s list of omissions feels deeper — and more controversial — than usual.

So before Team USA Stars, USA Stripes, and Team World tip off under the bright lights of the 75th NBA All‑Star Game, let’s break down the names who should be in Inglewood.

Here are the 2026 NBA All-Star snubs, complete with the stats that prove just how deserving they were.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid’s absence generated immediate backlash. While the Sixers’ franchise center has played in just 30 of 51 games to this point, his on-court impact–26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 blocks per game–is undeniable.

Despite playing just 30 games this season, the former MVP missing the cut was one of the most shocking omissions of the selection process, especially given his ongoing elite production.

James Harden, Cleveland Cavaliers

Even at age 36, Harden continues to play winning, All‑Star‑level basketball. He’s fourth on the season assist leaders list and was a major part of the Clippers’ surge before he was traded to Cleveland.

An 11-time All-Star, Harden likely won’t lose any sleep over not being selected this year, but averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game this season he certainly made a strong case.

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

Still producing like an All‑Star, a phenomenal individual season to this point, was overshadowed by Utah’s record.

Markkanen is putting up a career high 27.1 points and 2.2 assists per game alongside 6.9 rebounds and a steal.

Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Porter Jr. is in the midst of the best season of his NBA career in his first year with the Brooklyn Nets.

Averaging career highs in points (25.1 per game), rebounds (7.2) and assists (3.2) with increased defensive consistency, tying a career high with 1.1 steals per game, made him a strong candidate, though the Nets being one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference certainly did not help.

Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

Şengün was one of the NBA’s most discussed snubs. After making the team last year, he improved across the board, including defensively, and many analysts believed he deserved a second straight appearance.

Averaging 20.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.4 steals and a block per game, Şengün was considered one of the most deserving West frontcourt misses.

Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

The young guard has been one of Utah’s brightest spots and is viewed as a rising star with a strong All-Star case.

Even though the Jazz have struggled overall, the exclusion of George, chipping in 24.2 points, four rebounds and 6.6 assists per game on near 50/40/90 efficiency, drew attention.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Nne of the league’s premier point‑forwards, Banchero, blends by-any-means scoring with improved playmaking and a rapidly growing command of the floor.

He’s averaging 23.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game and has firmly established himself as the engine of the Magic offense.

Derrick White, Boston Celtics

White has played at a borderline All-Star level all season, and has been a catalyst for Boston on both ends.

White is putting up 17.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game with 1.3 blocks and steals apiece. His omission is an oversight in the East’s guard pool.

Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns

Having his most efficient scoring season ever, Brooks has evolved from a defensive specialist and agitator into a legitimate second option.

He’s averaging a career high 21.1 points per game with 3.6 boards, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals, but that wasn’t enough put him over the edge.

Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

A triple‑double machine and one of the league’s most versatile young guys, Giddey’s omission surprised many, despite the Bulls having a rough season.

He’s averaging career-highs across the board with 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game, but that wasn’t enough to join an absolutely stacked World Team.

Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

Prior to injury Wagner was playing the best basketball of his young career, emerging as one of the league’s most versatile scoring wings.

Wagner is averaging 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season for Orlando when he plays, but with just 26 appearances this season he was a longshot.

Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers (late addition)

Despite playing at a top‑10 level, Leonard was initially left off the All-Star roster, before Adam Silver stepped in, surprising analysts and fans alike given his strong season and the Clippers’ surge after a slow start.

Averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game, Leonard was widely viewed as the most egregious omission until he was later added as an injury replacement to the U.S. pool.