One of the more bizarre trends in the NBA over the last few seasons has been the decline in the efficiency of Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker. Largely regarded as one of the purest jump shooters in the game, the decline in his shot-making has been perplexing, to say the least, especially when considering the performances he puts up at the All-Star weekend.
This season has been no exception, as his 3-point efficiency has continued to fall during the regular season. But he was still given the nod for the 3-point shooting contest, where he emerged as one of the finalists, before eventually losing to Damian Lillard. Now, it seems like future iterations might not see a ton of the star shooting guard in the lineup.
Devin Booker Contemplates Future 3-Point Contests
The past two seasons have been a wild ride for Booker and the Suns as a whole. Last season, with a big three that also featured Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, the clear direction seemed to be towards contention.
However, they fizzled out in the regular season, missing the playoffs. This year, despite both Beal and Durant being gone from the team, Phoenix has found a new lease on life with an elite shot creator in Booker and a complementary cast of players around him.
Surprisingly, though, the shot creation aspect for their superstar has been the most shaky aspect of their turnaround. Particularly from the 3-point range, the numbers from the five-time All-Star have been jarring to say the least.
After knocking down just 33.2% of his long-range jumpers last season, the number has fallen to a ghastly 31.1% for 2025-26. However, given his reputation, he was still given the nod for competing in the 3-point contest, and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark.
In the first round, he was in sensational form, leading all contestants heading into the second round. But, matched up against a soon-to-be three-time winner, he fell short after missing his final three attempts to tie the scores.
After a heartbreaking end to the journey, he reflected on his history in the 3-point contest and his future at the event moving forward. Speaking to the media afterwards, he admitted, “This one hurt a little bit. I wanted this one bad.”
“I wish I was defending [the 3-Point title] in Phoenix, but [next year] will probably be the last time I do it…”
After the All-Star Game, Devin Booker hinted that he’ll save his last 3-Point Contest performance for the fans in the Valley. pic.twitter.com/QtnuwRCZMh
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) February 16, 2026
Explaining his two-point rationale, he said, “I wish I was defending it in Phoenix, but it’ll probably be the last time I do it next year if I get the invite.” Given the stakes of the game and the allure of hosting the event in the Valley, there is a strong chance the NBA will be open to Booker participating once again.
While it might be his last shot at it, there is a good chance that he rights this year’s wrong and walks away the winner.
