NBA All-Star 2020: 5 players who should participate in the Three-Point Contest

#4 Danilo Gallinari – Oklahoma City Thunder

Danilo Gallinari has performed well since his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer

Much of Danilo Gallinari’s NBA career has been struck by injuries, although the Italian has been able to stay healthy for much of the past two seasons to establish himself as one of the NBA’s deadliest snipers. After shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc during his final season with the LA Clippers, Gallinari has been able to pull OKC out of their long-time 3-point shooting slump.

Attempting a career-high 7.4 threes per contest, Gallinari is connecting with 41.4 percent of his attempts – putting him among the NBA’s best perimeter shooters. His only prior appearance in the Three-Point Contest came back in 2010 – although Gallinari warrants a return after being snubbed last year.

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#3 Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard has become known for his deep 3-point attempts

The Portland Trail Blazers face an uphill battle to make the 2020 playoffs, although Damian Lillard is quietly enjoying a career-year. The 29-year-old is averaging 28.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game - and much of his offensive damage has come from beyond the arc. Following the trend set by Steph Curry, Lillard has become well known for hurling up (and usually knocking down) threes from 30-feet – and his series-clinching shot against the Thunder in the 2019 postseason remains fresh in the memory.

With half of the season played, Lillard is attempting 9.8 three-pointers per game, and despite considerable shot difficulty, he is connecting with an impressive 37.4 percent of his attempts. He may have been eliminated in the first round of the last season's contest, although Lillard would be among the favorites if he is to enter again this year.