On Sunday, the NBA announced the full lineup for the 2026 3-point contest. The most surprising inclusion was Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, who has been rehabbing with the Team all season after an Achilles injury.
Alongside Lillard, the other names nominated for the contest were Devin Booker, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Maxey, Jamal Murray, Donovan Mitchell, Norman Powell, and Bobby Portis. The three-point contest will take place on Saturday of All-Star weekend.
$112M Star Speaks Out on Surprising NBA 3-Point Contest Snub
Following the announcement of the NBA stars to feature in the three-point contest, New Orleans Pelicans’ star Trey Murphy III commented on not being named. Murphy was selected with the 17th pick of the 2021 Draft and is currently having a career-best year.
“I would have participated if I were invited, for sure. I got the same approach every day, getting better and playing my game. And at some point, it’s gonna be recognized that I’m one of the better shooters in the league. Not being in the 3-point contest isn’t going to ruin my day.” Murphy stated.
During the Pelicans’ most recent 120-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings, the Pelicans’ star, who is on a four-year, $112 million rookie contract extension, scored 21 points, including five 3-pointers, prompting the media to question his exclusion from the contest.
Murphy is averaging a career-best 22.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists this year. Despite that, he was not considered for either All-Star honors or the 3-point contest. Murphy is ranked sixth in the league for total three-pointers made this season.
Following the announcement of the other participants in the 3-point contest, the only NBA stars with more three-pointers made this year are Knueppel and Maxey. Additionally, Lillard, who was named, has not played a single game this season.
The Trail Blazers star may potentially equal the record of winning 3-point shooting contest titles this weekend, joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners. Lillard is fifth on the all-time three-point leaders, winning the contest back-to-back in 2023 and 2024.
“Sign me up, I’m dying for some competition, and I’m happy to be able to do it again. So, to come back and have the opportunity to tie the record, to be representing RIP City again while I’m doing it, I’m excited to be a part of some competition.” Lillard shared.
While Lillard’s inclusion may be one of the hottest storylines of the weekend, it may come at the expense of one of the better three-point shooters in the league. However, the Pelicans’ star has taken it in stride following his comments.
