Will Harden Miss This Year’s All-Star? Voting Even Behind Powell, Clippers Media Says Leonard Has Better Chance

On January 21, the NBA regular season continued. The NBA officially announced the All-Star starters yesterday, with no Clippers players selected. Regarding Harden, Clippers media outlet APHoops stated, “Leonard clearly has a better chance to make it.”

So far this season, Leonard is averaging 28.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals, with a 49.7% field goal rate. Harden averages 26.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, 1.3 steals, shooting 42.6%. The Clippers, who once fell to the bottom of the Western Conference, have rebounded recently and currently sit 10th with a 19-23 record.

All-Star voting shows Harden received 21 player votes (17th), 599,911 fan votes (12th), and 0 media votes (13th in the West). Interestingly, Harden’s votes are even lower than former teammate Powell, who earned 30 player votes and 1 media vote despite fewer fan votes.

Nevertheless, Harden has been playing excellently recently. During the Clippers’ six-game winning streak, he averaged 28.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. After scoring 36 points yesterday, Harden has now reached 1,016 points this season, marking 15 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 points.

APHoops commented, “It looks like Leonard is certain to make the All-Star Game in Clippers’ home arena this year, but Harden is unlikely unless favored by coaches.” Harden has been an 11-time All-Star, though he missed the cut in 2023 and 2024. Can he return this year?