Suns Star Named Surprise Participant in NBA 3-Point Contest

The Suns will have an unlikely player to cheer on in this season's 3-point contest.

Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and guard Collin Gillespie (12) react after the Sun take the lead late in the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images | Allan Henry-Imagn Images

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns will have an unexpected participant in the 2026 3-point contest at NBA All-Star weekend on Feb. 14.

The NBA announced today that Suns star Devin Booker, who will also be playing in his fifth All-Star Game and won the 3-point contest in 2018, will be among eight players competing in the 3-point contest.

Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Bobby Portis Jr. (Bucks) and Norman Powell (Heat) are the other seven participants.

The 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest field ⬇️

Saturday, Feb. 14 | 5 p.m. ET | NBC & Peacock

Former champ Devin Booker among five 2026 All-Stars.

Two-time winner Damian Lillard can match the record with a third title.

Kon Knueppel can become the first rookie to win the event. pic.twitter.com/W6cI4LdctJ

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 8, 2026

Why Devin Booker Was a Surprise Selection

Booker makes the contest despite shooting a career-low 30.7% from 3-point range this season, which is by far the lowest of any of the other participants (next closest is Mitchell at 37.9%), other than Lillard, who is out for the year after tearing his Achilles last season.

It would have seemed more likely for the Suns to be represented by Collin Gillespie (42.6% from 3), Royce O'Neale (40.6%) or Grayson Allen (36.9%) in the contest, but the nod goes to Booker, who will be making his fifth appearance in the event.

Still, Booker will give Suns fans plenty to cheer about in the contest, as he will be the first Suns player to compete in it since himself in 2020.

Here's more on Booker's selection from the Suns:

"Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has been selected to participate in the State Farm 3-Point Contest as part of NBA All-Star Saturday on Feb. 14 in Inglewood, Calif., the league announced today.

"This will mark Booker’s fifth time competing in the 3-Point Contest at NBA All-Star, having also participated in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The last time NBA All-Star was in Los Angeles in 2018 he captured the 3-Point Contest title by setting a then-record score with 28 points in the final round.

"Booker, who recently earned his fifth career All-Star selection, is the Suns all-time leader in three-point field goals with 1,495 after surpassing Steve Nash during the 2022-23 season. He 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 career seasons.

"The State Farm 3-Point Contest will take place on Feb. 14 at the Intuit Dome as part of 2026 NBA All-Star Saturday. The event will begin at 3 p.m. MT and air on NBC/Peacock."