On Sunday, the NBA announced the participants for the upcoming Three-Point Contest. In the two-round contest, players attempt to score as many points as possible from multiple locations within 70 seconds.
The participants will include Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Damian Lillard, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis Jr., and Norman Powell. The majority of the players have earned at least one All-Star selection.
While Lillard is considered one of the league’s top three-point shooters, winning NBA Three-Point Contest titles in 2023 and 2024, his participation in the upcoming edition of the event comes as a surprise. The 35-year-old guard has been sidelined from action for nearly 10 months.
Last March, Lillard dealt with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. One month later, the nine-time All-Star suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during playoff action.
The assortment of injuries marked the end of Lillard’s two-season stint with the Milwaukee Bucks. After being waived by the Bucks, he was subsequently signed by the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a homecoming for Lillard, as the veteran spent the first eleven seasons of his career as a member of the Trail Blazers.
The 35-year-old guard is expected to miss the entirety of this season to fully recover from his torn Achilles. He is focused on returning to full strength for the start of the 2026–2027 season.
What’s Next?
Holding the ninth spot in the Western Conference, the Trail Blazers are on the edge of playoff contention. Deni Avdija has emerged as a top performer for the franchise, averaging 25.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over 44 games.
While Lillard may not be an on-court help toward Portland’s playoff push, his involvement in the upcoming three-point contest indicates that his recovery is proceeding well. If victorious, Lillard would join Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players to win three Three-Point Contest titles.
Lillard will need to outperform a star-studded lineup in order to make history. The 2026 NBA All-Stars competing in the event are Booker, Maxey, Mitchell, Murray and Powell.
The Three-Point Contest will take place on February 14. It is scheduled to be the second event of the night.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports
Read the full article here
