Context:

Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns has been unexpectedly selected to participate in the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest during All-Star weekend, despite struggling this season with a career-low 30.7% shooting from beyond the arc. This contest, which will take place on February 14, includes seven other competitors, notably two-time winner Damian Lillard and rookie Kon Knueppel. Booker's selection marks his fifth appearance in the contest, where he previously won in 2018, setting a record with 28 points in the final round. Although other Suns players like Collin Gillespie had better shooting percentages, Booker's legacy as the franchise's all-time leader in 3-point field goals adds to the excitement. Looking ahead, his performance could reignite fan support and elevate his standing as an elite shooter despite current challenges.

Dive Deeper:

• The 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest will be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will start at 3 p.m. MT, airing on NBC and Peacock.

• Devin Booker has participated in the 3-Point Contest in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020, with his 2018 performance earning him the title.

• Booker is the all-time leader for the Suns in career 3-point field goals, surpassing Steve Nash's record with 1,495 three-pointers during the 2022-23 season.

• Despite his current low shooting percentage, other participants in the contest, such as Donovan Mitchell and Jamal Murray, have better averages, which makes Booker's selection surprising.

• Booker ranks 59th all-time in NBA history for career triples and is one of only two players, along with Klay Thompson, to make at least 99 three-pointers in each of his first 10 seasons.

• The other contestants include Damian Lillard, who is sidelined this season, and rookie Kon Knueppel, who has the potential to become the first rookie to win this event.