NBA 3-Point Contest 2026: Full Participant List and Lillard’s Record Chase

Jenny Lee February 13, 2026 | 18:06

Official NBA 3-Point Contest 2026 participants revealed. See full roster, Damian Lillard’s record pursuit, Booker’s return, and Shooting Stars team breakdown.

NBA 3-Point Contest 2026

The NBA has officially unveiled the field for the 2026 3-Point Contest, and it may be the most balanced mix of proven champions and rising stars the event has seen in years.

Set for All-Star Saturday Night in Los Angeles, the contest features two former champions, multiple 2026 All-Stars, and four first-time participants — including a rookie with a chance to make history.

Here’s a full breakdown of the field and what makes this year’s competition compelling.

2026 NBA 3-Point Contest Participants

Devin Booker — Phoenix Suns
Kon Knueppel — Charlotte Hornets
Damian Lillard — Portland Trail Blazers
Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia 76ers
Donovan Mitchell — Cleveland Cavaliers
Jamal Murray — Denver Nuggets
Bobby Portis — Milwaukee Bucks
Norman Powell — Miami Heat

Damian Lillard Chasing History

The headline entering Saturday night belongs to Damian Lillard.

Lillard won the 3-Point Contest in 2023 and 2024. A third title would tie him with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges for the most 3-Point Contest championships in NBA history (three).

What separates Lillard from many past winners is range. His comfort well beyond the arc gives him a real advantage under the modern contest format, which includes deep-range specialty shots worth additional points.

If he finds rhythm early, he becomes the favorite immediately.

Devin Booker Returns as Former Champion

Devin Booker, the 2018 champion, brings both pedigree and pace.

Booker’s compact shooting motion has historically translated well to the timed rack format. Unlike streaky shooters who rely on rhythm building over multiple possessions, Booker’s quick release allows him to maximize attempts before the buzzer.

His return adds legitimacy to the field — and another potential multi-time champion to the mix.

Four First-Time Participants Add Intrigue

Four players will make their 3-Point Contest debut:

Kon Knueppel
Tyrese Maxey
Jamal Murray
Bobby Portis

Maxey and Murray enter with high-volume reputations, while Portis brings floor-spacing credibility from the frontcourt.

The most intriguing newcomer may be Kon Knueppel. If he wins, he would become the first rookie ever to claim the 3-Point Contest title — a rare achievement in an event typically dominated by established veterans.

Rookies often struggle with pacing under the bright lights. But if Knueppel stays within his mechanics and avoids rushing the first rack, he could surprise the field.

The Format: Why It Matters

The 3-Point Contest features:

Five racks positioned around the arc
Money balls worth two points
Two deep-range “Starry” balls worth three points
Top three scorers advance to the final round

The maximum score varies depending on rack configuration, but recent winners have typically needed totals in the high 20s or low 30s to advance.

Unlike the Slam Dunk Contest, scoring here is objective. There are no judges, no interpretation. That consistency is one reason this event has become the most reliable highlight of All-Star Saturday Night.

NBA Shooting Stars 2026: Teams Announced

The Shooting Stars competition returns with four teams of three players — combining current NBA stars and former All-Stars.

Each team has 1 minute and 10 seconds to shoot from seven designated spots. The top two teams advance to the final round.

Team All-Star

Chet Holmgren — Oklahoma City Thunder
Scottie Barnes — Toronto Raptors
Richard Hamilton — Three-time All-Star

Holmgren and Barnes, both 2026 All-Stars, team up with Hamilton in a blend of youth and experience.

Team Cameron

Jalen Johnson — Atlanta Hawks
Kon Knueppel — Charlotte Hornets
Corey Maggette — Former NBA forward

All three share Duke basketball ties, adding a college connection storyline.

Team Harper

Dylan Harper — San Antonio Spurs
Ron Harper Jr. — Boston Celtics
Ron Harper — Five-time NBA champion

A true family affair, with Ron Harper Sr. competing alongside his sons.

Team Knicks

Jalen Brunson — New York Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns — New York Knicks
Allan Houston — Two-time All-Star

Two current Knicks All-Stars join franchise legend Allan Houston, now serving in the team’s front office.

Why This Year’s 3-Point Contest Matters

The modern NBA revolves around shooting. Spacing dictates offense. Efficiency defines contracts. Deep range changes defensive schemes.

That’s why the 3-Point Contest has quietly become the most credible event of All-Star Saturday.

With Lillard chasing history, Booker returning, and a wave of first-timers entering the spotlight, 2026 offers both legacy stakes and fresh intrigue.

If the final round comes down to the last rack, this could be one of the most competitive editions in years.

And in today’s NBA, the purest contest might still be the one that simply counts the shots.

Jenny Lee

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