Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the NBA unveils the eight sharpshooters set to battle it out in the 2026 Three-Point Contest! But here's where it gets controversial: among the lineup is a player who won't even step foot on the court this season. Yes, you read that right. Damian Lillard, the nine-time All-Star and two-time contest champion, is part of the roster despite being sidelined for the entire season due to an Achilles injury. Is this a nod to his legacy, or a missed opportunity for another deserving player? Let the debate begin!
Scheduled for February 14 at 4:00 pm CT, this event promises fireworks as some of the league's deadliest shooters take aim. Here’s the full lineup of participants:
- Devin Booker (Suns): A former champion, Booker is having a down year from deep, shooting a career-low 30.7% from three-point range. Can he rediscover his magic touch?
- Kon Knueppel (Hornets): The rookie sensation and No. 4 overall pick is making waves, shooting 42.8% from beyond the arc on high volume. Could he become the first rookie to win it all?
- Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers): The surprise inclusion, Lillard’s participation raises eyebrows. Is this a symbolic gesture, or a strategic move by the NBA?
- Tyrese Maxey (Sixers): A high-volume shooter with 38.2% accuracy, Maxey is also one of the top scorers in the field.
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers): Known for his scoring prowess, Mitchell is shooting 37.9% from deep on a whopping 9.7 attempts per game.
- Jamal Murray (Nuggets): Fresh off his first All-Star selection, Murray is connecting on 43.2% of his three-point tries.
- Bobby Portis (Bucks): The lone big man in the contest, Portis leads the field with a 45.1% three-point percentage.
- Norman Powell (Heat): Another first-time All-Star, Powell is shooting 39.3% from deep and brings veteran experience.
And this is the part most people miss: While Lillard’s inclusion steals the spotlight, Kon Knueppel’s rookie campaign is quietly historic. If he wins, he’ll make NBA history. But is he ready to dethrone the veterans?
Notably absent is last year’s champion, Tyler Herro, who declined the invitation to focus on recovering from a rib injury. His absence opens the door for a new king—or queen—of the three-point realm.
Who’s your pick to win? And what do you think about Lillard’s inclusion? Let us know in the comments below! This contest is shaping up to be one for the ages, blending legacy, youth, and sheer shooting prowess. Don’t miss it!
