Sam Merrill has been one of the NBA’s biggest surprise breakthrough players to begin 2025-26. In a campaign that has featured scoring at a historic rate, the former 60th overall pick has shined bright for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Entering into action on November 19th, Merrill ranked 12th in the league in three-pointers made. The gravity he has had has also greatly contributed to a career-high start for fellow starting guard Donovan Mitchell.
Of course, Merrill is just the start of things here. Though the year is just a month old, it’s never too early to project awards and contest candidates. So let’s take a peak at some of the other candidates who are surprising this year, and may project to be in the three-point shootout.
Projecting Sam Merrill and the First Four Three-Point Shootout Candidates
Of course, the conversation begins with Sam Merrill. He was invited to the three-point contest two years ago, and though he could not compete, already has a little street cred. He had a moment with AJ Green in the last game and let him know just mow many threes he had made on him.
The Milwaukee Bucks guard has also shined bright as a first-time starter. Green is making 47.4% of his threes, while also taking almost seven per night. It would be a shocker if the former undrafted guard out of Northern Iowa didn’t get a look.
Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets has been on a year-long heater. Playing on a team with two-other rookie starters, he has played some big-time basketball. Ryan Kalkbrenner has patrolled the paint, while Knueppel has run thfe show from the perimeter.
The Duke product is hitting 40% of his threes while taking eight per night, and has certainly looked electric to this point in his first campaign. He belongs in the contest as much as anyone.
Finishing out the first four candidates would have to be Norman Powell. Now in his first year with the Miami Heat, the veteran has flourished as the number one option. It has helped his own cause that Tyler Herro is yet to play, though his debut is around the corner.
Though his volume of attempts is slightly lower, Powell still makes over three triples per night, at a 46% clip. A likely All-Star candidate as well, it would be entertaining to see Miami’s new star in this year’s three-point shootout.
Stephen Curry and the Other Star Projections
Stephen Curry is the best shooter in the world. Nobody will ever debate that. The Golden State Warriors guard has continued to produce at a high-level into his late 30’s.
He’s already an all-time legend, and even this year, he’s averaging nearly 28 points per game. His percentage is down near 39%, but he’s taking 12 triples per night. And just made seven in their last game. There is a spot for Steph whenever he wants it.
Already invited into the three-point shootout twice, Lauri Markkanen is no stranger to it. The Utah Jazz forward is having an exceptional campaign, and is certainly worthy of a return.
As he scores 30+ points every night, Markkanen is burying four triples in the process. He had back-to-back 40-point games earlier in the month, and even a 51-point explosion. Lauri deserves to shoot with the best of them.
The last two candidates should not come as too much of a surprise. Grayson Allen became the first Phoenix Suns player to hit 10 threes in a game earlier in the season. He is one of just five players to make at least 50 shots from beyond the arc so far.
Considering Allen has four seasons of shooting 40+ percent from beyond the arc, it is surprising he has never appeared in the three-point contest. Perhaps this year he will finally get his recognition.
The list started with Sam Merrill. The list ends with Donovan Mitchell. Two Cleveland Cavaliers players should absolutely be present in the 2025-26 Three-Point Shootout. Mitchell is not only tied for second in the league in makes, but he’s hitting nearly 39% of his looks from out there. He’s been on pace with Curry and Tyrese Maxey.
Mitchell has been hitting from all over the floor, and did appear in the contest two other times. It would be fun to see him picked as a primary candidate, and not just a replacement.
We still have a few months before the NBA makes any decisions. But all of these guys should be considered worthy of spots this season.
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