The basketball community was stunned when Damian Lillard was announced as a contestant in the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend 3-point contest, despite not having played at all this season. Lillard has been sidelined throughout the 2025-2026 campaign due to a torn left Achilles tendon injury sustained during the 2025 playoffs, yet he is choosing to participate in the shooting competition amid his recovery.
Initially, Lillard was expected to miss the entire season to focus on rehabilitation. His participation in a physically demanding skill event seemed unlikely, but the decision came after a surprising turn of events triggered by a casual conversation with NBA marketing executive Michael Levine.
How a Casual Joke Turned Into a Real Opportunity
Lillard revealed the idea for joining the contest began apparently as a lighthearted comment during a discussion with Levine.
“It started off as a joke,” Lillard said. “I told him I was going on vacation (for All-Star break), but if y’all need a body, I’ll shoot in the 3-point contest.”
“He was like, ‘Oh, that would be awesome …’ and we kind of joked about it, and left it at that,”
Lillard added.
The initial conversation might have ended there, but fate intervened when an original 3-point contest participant withdrew unexpectedly. Levine revisited their previous talk and reached back out to Lillard to see if he was truly willing to compete.
“He was like … ‘Would you really do it?”’ Lillard said. “And I was like, ‘Yeah.”’
This sudden opportunity gave Lillard a chance to take the stage in the event, despite his ongoing Achilles rehabilitation, catching many fans and analysts off guard.
Potential Historical Achievement on the Line
A victory in this year’s 3-point contest would give Damian Lillard his third title in the event. That accomplishment would place him alongside legendary shooters Larry Bird and Craig Hodges, who are the only players in NBA history to have secured three wins in this competition.
Challenging Field Awaits Lillard in the 3-Point Contest
Lillard will compete against a talented field comprising Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis Jr., and Norman Powell. Among this group, Booker is the only other former winner, having claimed the title during the 2018 All-Star Weekend.
Donovan Mitchell stands out as the current league leader in three-pointers made, tallying an impressive 183 shots so far. Right behind him is Kon Knueppel with 179 made threes, and Tyrese Maxey ranks fourth overall with 171, making them top contenders for the title.
Bobby Portis Jr.’s selection surprised many fans, but his stats justify his inclusion. He holds the highest three-point shooting percentage among the participants and ranks fourth in the NBA at 45.6%, adding a strong shooting threat to the contest lineup.
Significance and What to Expect Moving Forward
Damian Lillard’s decision to participate while still recovering from a major injury adds an unexpected twist to the 3-point contest, raising questions about his readiness and the risks involved. His presence not only brings excitement to the event but also highlights his competitive spirit despite setbacks this season.
If he manages to win, Lillard will join an exclusive group of three-time winners, enhancing his legacy as one of the premier shooting talents in NBA history. For fans and commentators, his journey this season remains closely watched, and his participation in this contest adds a layer of intrigue heading into the All-Star Weekend.
The upcoming contest will undoubtedly test the skills of all participants, with several elite shooters vying for the crown. Damian Lillard’s return to competition in any capacity is a compelling development, making the 3-point contest one of the most anticipated events of the weekend.
