In a development that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Portland Trail Blazers icon Damian Lillard has been officially named to the NBA Three-Point Contest 2026 field. The announcement comes as a massive surprise, given that the 35-year-old superstar has been officially sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. This miraculous Damian Lillard return to the spotlight will take place this Saturday at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, marking his first appearance in a Blazers uniform since his emotional homecoming signing last July.
Lillard's Stunning Comeback Amid Injury Rehab
The decision to participate in the All-Star festivities is unprecedented for a player recovering from such a severe injury. Lillard, who suffered the torn Achilles during the 2025 playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks, was subsequently waived and then re-signed by Portland in a heartwarming move to let him retire as a Blazer. However, few expected to see "Dame Time" strike this season. This Lillard Achilles injury update defies conventional rehab timelines, though the stationary nature of the shooting contest likely mitigates the physical risk compared to live game action.
Sources close to the team indicate that Lillard received medical clearance specifically for the contest, eager to give fans a glimpse of his legendary shooting form. His participation turns an already anticipated event into must-watch television, as the Lillard Blazers comeback narrative takes center stage in Inglewood.
A Stacked 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest Field
Lillard will not have an easy path to history. The NBA 3-point contest field is loaded with elite sharpshooters looking to dethrone the former champion. Joining Lillard is Phoenix Suns superstar Devin Booker, who previously won the event in 2018, and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey. The field also features a mix of veterans and fresh faces:
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
- Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
- Kon Knueppel (Charlotte Hornets) – The rookie sensation making waves with his perimeter accuracy.
The inclusion of rookie standout Kon Knueppel adds a fascinating dynamic, pitting the future of the league against established legends like Lillard and Booker.
Chasing History in Los Angeles
For Lillard, this weekend is about more than just a sentimental return; it is about cementing his legacy. Having won the contest in 2023 and 2024, Lillard is aiming for his third title. A victory would place him in the exclusive company of Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners in the history of the event.
The NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles provides the perfect backdrop for such a historic attempt. The newly opened Intuit Dome will host the festivities, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans rally behind the injured star. While Tyler Herro took the crown in 2025, Lillard's return to reclaim his throne adds a layer of drama that only the NBA can deliver.
The Blazers Connection
This appearance holds special significance for Portland Trail Blazers news followers. After his brief tenure in Milwaukee, Lillard's return to the franchise where he spent his first 11 seasons has been the talk of the Pacific Northwest. While he won't be leading the offense in regular-season games until the 2026-27 campaign, seeing him don the Blazers jersey and shoot the money ball is a symbolic victory for the city and the franchise.
As the countdown to Saturday begins, all eyes will be on Lillard's left leg and his golden wrist. Can he overcome the rust and the rehab to deliver one more Dame Time moment? The world will be watching.
