It took until six days before the event, but the NBA has finally announced the participants for the 2026 3PT Shootout. It feels like there are generally a few repeat players, with some news ones coming in. There is also one big shocker with the 2026 list.
Damian Lillard, who has not appeared in a single game this season, is scheduled to participate in the event. The guard, who returned to the Portland Trail Blazers this summer, is not expected to play this season while recovering from a torn Achilles. This is an extremely rare occurrence, a player without any games on the season, getting invited to an All-Star event.
There has been no shortage of exceptional shooters this year, so this certainly comes as a surprise. Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe have helped Portland to win a lot of games. But, seeing the injured Lillard being invited to participate is an oddity.
Damian Lillard Already a 2X 3PT Shootout Champion
A lot of eyes will be on Donovan Mitchell, who leads the league in 3’s made this season, Rookie Kon Knueppel is also shattering all of the records for a first-year guard in terms of making three-pointers.
Damian Lillard entering the contest is new territory. He went down in the playoffs last year, and not been able to suit up for his new (old squad). The expectation was that he would come back, spend the year with the team and rehab, then join for 2026-27. The playoffs are not likely in the picture, though a play-in trip could be in the cards for Portland. The fact he is possibly doing the 3PT shootout is bizarre.
Of course, teams who have sharpshooters not invited will be the only one with gripes. Lillard won this event in both 2023 and 2024, displaying his prowess as one of the best flamethrowers in the league.
Whether in Portland or Milwaukee, this has been one of the best deep-ball shooters in the association. From doing it in the regular season, to series-clinching threes. Dame Time has been making a name for himself through it all. He is the only player in league history to make two series-ending buzzer-beaters. One against the Rockets in just his second season, and then again the one below, against Paul George and the Thunder.
Like it or not, the injured guard is going to get a chance to win an All-Star event, and still log zero games during the campaign. He isn’t going to be retiring, so it’s an interesting time for an homage. Nevertheless, the show goes on.
Can Damian Lillard Win Another 3PT Shootout?
The odds may not be in his favor, but that has never stopped Damian Lillard before. Donovan Mitchell and Kon Knueppel are likely considered the odds-on favorites, while players like Bobby Portis may be considered a long-shot to come out on top.
In the regular season, Dame has shot under 40% from 3PT in each of his past five campaigns. The volume of attempts he takes sort of makes up for it, as he’s never shy and still delivers in clutch moments.
The torn Achilles won’t keep Lillard out of the event. We’ll see if a hobbled player can win the contest. It would certainly make for some history.
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