Despite shooting a career-worst 30.7% from 3-point range entering the All-Star break, five-time All-Star Devin Booker nearly won his second 3-point contest in 2026.
Though he had three moneyballs on the final rack with a chance to tie, Book missed all three to close out his final round. That allowed Damian Lillard, who hasn’t played at all this season while recovering from an Achilles injury, to win a record third 3-point shootout — tying him with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as three-time winners of the event.
It’s early, but a post from Lillard suggests he’s ready to run it back next year with some big names.
Damian Lillard wants Curry, Book and more at 2027 3-point contest
In a post to his Instagram story, Lillard shared a text message conversation with legendary sharpshooter (and two-time 3-point contest champ) Steph Curry.
“Next year…. Me, you, klay, book, and 4 more real shooters…” Lillard wrote.
Curry’s response should get fans excited.
“Yessir I’m in. Know Klay will do it if I ask and book will be at home. Perfect setup,” Curry responded.
The 2027 NBA All-Star Weekend will be hosted in Phoenix at Mortgage Matchup Center, which is why Curry said Booker will be at home for the event.
Thompson, one of the greatest 3-point snipers in NBA history, hasn’t competed in the 3-point contest since 2018 — the year Booker won. Thompson won his own 3-point shootout trophy in 2016 by taking down a field including Curry, who was the reigning champ. Curry won it in 2015 and 2021.
A field of Lillard, Curry, Thompson and Book would include four winners of the contest and a quartet of some of the best shooters the game has ever seen.
The only question now seems to be the “four more real shooters” who’ll join the old heads in 2027.
Rookie Kon Knueppel, who entered the All-Star break leading all rookies in total points while making a sterling 43.1% of his 3-point attempts, showed out in this year’s contest with 27 points in the first round.
The Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter running it back next year would provide some youth to challenge the "uncs" listed above.
Regardless of who else joins the fray, it makes sense for Book to compete again on his home court.
If the competition also includes those big names and prior winners, NBA fans have a darn good competition to look forward to.