The NBA’s All-Defensive teams were released, and it’s safe to say that Kawhi Leonard was snubbed. This is outrageous, as Leonard posted the second-highest steals average of his career at 1.9 (second-most in the NBA this season), which is not far from 2014-15 (2.3), when he won his first Defensive Player of the Year. But, despite recording excellent numbers, he failed to receive a well-deserved bouquet of flowers, which confirms that what he did is underrated.
2025-26 NBA All-Defensive teams:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 22, 2026
First team: Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, Derrick White
Second team: Bam Adebayo, Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace, Dyson Daniels,
OG Anunoby
And, it’s not like Leonard was one of those players who were always in the right place at the right time, which explains how he racked up his steals; that’s not the case at all. He was one of the LA Clippers’ best defenders all year, and excelled in regularly taking on the matchup of guarding the toughest of opponents.
That said, in no world should Leonard be left off a list specifically designed to give recognition to a combination of the league’s premier lockdown talents.
The standard for Kawhi is extremely high, explaining why he didn’t make the cut
Granted, because Kawhi Leonard is 34, he is not the defender he used to be. This is completely understandable, as no one, not even the greatest to ever do it, will remain at the top of the ranks forever. At some point, they’re going to be dethroned through the evolution of time, and that’s exactly what has happened.
However, the standard for Leonard is like no other. Why? Well, at his peak, he was easily regarded as the best interior and perimeter defender in the NBA.
He could single-handedly anchor his team and shut down opposing superstars entirely. In fact, the two-time champion was feared heavily as the player nobody wants to match up against.
Just take a look back at the clip, which is impossible to forget, when the San Antonio Spurs were facing off against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, and LeBron James made a look of frustration when Leonard checked in. That’s how amazing he was.
As a result, in the current day and age, Leonard has such a high bar to meet. Unfortunately, though, it’s simply not possible. He’s gotten older, and with that, his speed, activity, and the ability to keep up have regressed minimally.
Is it fair? Certainly not. But, this is the harsh reality Clipper Nation has to accept when trying to comprehend why the face of the franchise did not earn what he worked the entire season for.
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