Damian Lillard will take part in this year’s NBA All-Star 3-point contest, despite not having played this season due to recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. The event will take place on All-Star Saturday at the LA Clippers’ arena in Inglewood, California, marking Lillard’s first competitive appearance since his injury.
Details of the Contest and Participants
The 3-point contest features several notable sharpshooters, including Devin Booker, the 2018 champion from the Phoenix Suns, along with Kon Knueppel from Charlotte, Tyrese Maxey of Philadelphia, Donovan Mitchell from Cleveland, Jamal Murray from Denver, Bobby Portis Jr. representing Milwaukee, and Norman Powell from Miami. Lillard’s participation brings added excitement as he attempts to join Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners of the event.
Changes to the All-Star Weekend Schedule
This year’s All-Star Saturday schedule differs from previous years, with the 3-point contest kicking off the festivities. It will be followed by the return of the Shooting Stars competition and the dunk contest, while the traditional skills competition has been removed for this year.
Lillard’s Injury and Career Background
Lillard, originally drafted sixth overall by Portland in 2012, spent 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers before being traded to Milwaukee prior to the current season. He sustained his Achilles injury last spring while with the Milwaukee Bucks. After the injury, Milwaukee waived his remaining contract, allowing him to return and re-sign with Portland. Despite not playing this season, Lillard remains a two-time defending champion, having won the 3-point contest in both 2023 and 2024.
Historical Context and Notable Absences
Lillard is not the first contestant to enter the 3-point contest without having made a three-pointer that season; in 1989, the NBA invited Rimas Kurtinaitis of Lithuania, who had never played in the NBA, to compete. This year, Tyler Herro, last year’s winner and who missed most of this season due to injury, is absent from the participant list.
Significance of Lillard’s Participation
Damian Lillard’s involvement in the 3-point contest despite his injury highlights his determination to remain connected to the game and the All-Star weekend activities. If he wins, he will cement his place alongside legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players with three 3-point contest titles. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Lillard performs after a challenging period of recovery.
