Get ready for a basketball comeback story that’s as unexpected as it is thrilling: Damian Lillard, who hasn’t played a single game this season due to injury, is set to make his return in the most surprising way possible—by competing in the NBA’s 3-point contest at All-Star Saturday. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this isn’t just any comeback; it’s a return to the spotlight in a Portland Trail Blazers uniform, and it’s happening right after the world’s attention shifts from the icy slopes of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics to the scorching hot basketball court. Talk about a dramatic re-entry!
For those who’ve missed the drama, Lillard has been sidelined this season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon—an injury that’s notoriously tough to bounce back from. Yet, here he is, stepping up to the line in Inglewood, California, where the 3-point contest will take place. And this is the part most people miss: if Lillard clinches the win, he’ll join the legendary ranks of Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time champions of this event. No pressure, right?
The lineup for the contest is stacked, featuring 2018 champion Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel, Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey, Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell, Denver’s Jamal Murray, Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis Jr., and Miami’s Norman Powell. Each of these players brings their own flair to the competition, but all eyes will undoubtedly be on Lillard as he tests his shooting touch after such a long absence.
But here’s the controversial part: Is it too soon for Lillard to return to competitive action, even if it’s just a 3-point contest? Some fans and analysts argue that rushing back from a major injury like a torn Achilles could risk further damage. Others believe this is a calculated move to test his readiness for a potential return to the court later in the season. What do you think? Is this a smart step in his recovery, or a risky gamble?
Adding to the intrigue, Lillard’s return comes with a bit of historical context. He’s not the first player to participate in the 3-point contest without logging a single 3-pointer in the season—that honor goes to Rimas Kurtinaitis of Lithuania, who competed in 1989 despite never playing in the NBA. But Lillard’s situation is unique, given his status as a two-time champion and his emotional ties to Portland.
This All-Star Saturday is shaping up to be a ratings juggernaut, with NBC transitioning seamlessly from the Winter Olympics to the 3-point contest. The network is betting big on viewers sticking around to watch Lillard’s return, followed by the Shooting Stars competition and the always-exciting dunk contest. The skills competition, however, is taking a backseat this year—a move that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
For Lillard, this marks his first time shooting in front of a live audience since rejoining the Trail Blazers this season. His journey back to Portland has been nothing short of dramatic. After suffering the injury last spring as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, he was waived-and-stretched, freeing him to return to his original NBA home. Now, he’s stepping back into the spotlight, not as a player in a regular-season game, but as a competitor in one of the league’s most iconic events.
And this is the part most people miss: Lillard’s participation isn’t just about winning a contest; it’s a symbolic step in his recovery and a reminder of his enduring connection to the game. Whether he sinks every shot or misses a few, his presence alone will be a victory for fans who’ve missed seeing him on the court.
So, as we gear up for All-Star Saturday, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Damian Lillard’s return to the 3-point contest a bold statement of resilience, or a risky move that could backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
