Chandler Parsons appreciates 34-year-old Kawhi Leonard for taking the All-Star Game seriously and putting on a show against Team World.
How ironic it is that when the initial 2026 All-Star selections were announced, Kawhi Leonard was widely labeled one of the biggest snubs.
Despite averaging 27.9 points per game, “The Claw” did not make the original roster. Yet as the weekend unfolded at the Intuit Dome, there was arguably no player better on that floor — and former Memphis Grizzlies forward Chandler Parsons made sure to say it.
Leonard didn’t just belong in the event. He nearly took it over.
Not only did he almost single-handedly carry Team Stripes to the title, but he came agonizingly close to capturing the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP trophy. His surge — particularly one explosive stretch against Team World — prompted Parsons to offer some of the strongest praise of the weekend.
Leonard’s All-Star festivities began quietly. In Team Stripes’ win over Team Stars, he posted five points and five rebounds in just over nine minutes. Efficient, controlled, and methodical — very on brand.
Then he flipped the switch.
When Team Stripes faced Team World, Leonard became the clear catalyst. With LeBron James and Kevin Durant combining for only nine points in that matchup, Kawhi took over. Team Stripes scored 48 total points, and Leonard accounted for 31 of them. He shot 11-of-13 from the field, carving up the defense in a three-point victory that swung on his shot-making.
It was a reminder that even in a setting built for flash, Leonard’s surgical style can still dominate.
Parsons highlighted exactly that on the “Run It Back” show, acknowledging that Leonard is rarely the first name fans associate with All-Star theatrics.
“When you think about all these exciting players, right? I don’t think of Kawhi Leonard,” Parsons said. “He’s more methodical, textbook, get to his spot… when I look at some of the best All-Star Games in history, this was the best quarter, this was outrageous. He went on a real heater.”
Parsons also emphasized the context — Leonard delivering that performance in his home building and doing so as a replacement selection.
“This quarter, in his home building, as a replacement was unbelievable,” Parsons said. “I’m just happy for Kawhi Leonard… he was able to put on a show, that was awesome.”
Leonard appeared drained in the championship game and ultimately fell short of claiming the KB24 All-Star Game MVP trophy, which went to Anthony Edwards. But the broader message had already been delivered.
The 2025-26 season has been filled with outside noise surrounding Leonard — lingering narratives about past decisions with the Los Angeles Clippers and roster storylines involving Chris Paul and James Harden. Through it all, Kawhi has remained steady.
After a 6-21 start, the Clippers have clawed their way into a Play-In seed in the Western Conference, with Leonard playing a central role in that turnaround.
If the All-Star burst was any indication, Clippers fans have reason to be optimistic. And if Leonard carries that same rhythm into the second half of the season, a push toward a top-six seed wouldn’t feel far-fetched.
For Parsons, though, the takeaway was simple: when Kawhi decided to turn it on, even an All-Star stage built for flair couldn’t outshine efficiency.