When the NBA dropped the list of participants for this year's 3-Point Contest, two names immediately jumped off the page: Devin Booker and Damian Lillard. Both are household names, All-Stars, and past winners of the event. But if you’re a Charlotte Hornets fan-or just someone paying attention to this season’s numbers-you might be asking a fair question: how did LaMelo Ball get left off the list?
Let’s start with the obvious. Ball just drilled seven threes in a pivotal win over the Hawks, bumping his average to 3.4 made triples per game.
That puts him sixth in the league in that category. He’s been one of the most consistent long-range threats this season, and he’s doing it with flair-exactly the kind of energy the 3-Point Contest thrives on.
Now, compare that to Booker and Lillard. Booker has history on his side-he won the event back in 2018 and has long been considered one of the league’s smoothest shooters.
But this season? He’s averaging just 1.7 threes per game and shooting a career-low 31.1% from deep.
That’s a steep drop for someone repping one of the NBA’s top shooting squads. His inclusion feels more like a nod to past glory than present performance.
Then there’s Lillard. A two-time 3-Point Contest champ, no question.
But he hasn’t played a single game this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles. Yes, technically, he hasn’t missed a shot from deep this year-but that’s because he hasn’t taken one.
His invite doesn’t come with a home-court tie either; All-Star Weekend isn’t in Portland or Oakland. So what gives?
The likely answer is star power. The 3-Point Contest has quietly become the crown jewel of All-Star Saturday, overtaking the dunk contest in terms of fan engagement and buzz. The league wants big names, and Booker and Lillard still move the needle.
But if that’s the criteria, Ball checks more boxes than he gets credit for. He may not be the social media sensation he was as a rookie, but he’s still a dynamic playmaker with deep range and a flair for the dramatic.
And let’s not forget-this year’s All-Star festivities are happening at the Intuit Dome, just an hour from his hometown of Chino Hills. That’s the kind of local connection that can light up a crowd.
From a pure numbers standpoint, Ball’s case is strong. He’s made more threes per game than Booker.
He’s hit at least seven triples in five different games this season. Booker’s best?
Six, and that came back in October.
And it’s not just Ball who could’ve made a compelling case. Michael Porter Jr., Sam Merrill, Luke Kennard-there’s a list of sharpshooters who’ve been filling it up from deep all year. But if the NBA was looking for a blend of box office appeal and statistical backing, Ball might’ve been the ideal pick.
Still, it’s not all bad news for Charlotte. Rookie Kon Knueppel got the nod, and he’s been lighting it up in his own right.
If he pulls off the win, he’ll become the first rookie-and the first Hornet ever-to claim the 3-Point Contest crown. And you can bet Ball will be in his corner, cheering him on.
So while LaMelo won’t be on the court Saturday night, his presence will still be felt. And if Knueppel makes a run, Hornets fans will have plenty to get excited about.