Get ready for a slam dunk of nostalgia and family rivalry! After an 11-year absence, the NBA Shooting Stars contest is making a triumphant return to All-Star weekend, and it’s bringing a unique blend of old and new talent to the court. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this revival a brilliant nod to tradition or a desperate attempt to spice up a weekend that’s already packed with events? Let’s dive in.
On February 14, four teams will battle it out in a competition that pairs current NBA stars with retired legends. Among the standout teams is the Harper family trio: San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, his brother Ron Harper Jr. of the Boston Celtics, and their father, five-time NBA champion Ron Harper. But this is the part most people miss: the Harpers aren’t just here for sentimental value—they’re serious contenders. Ron Harper, a veteran of 16 seasons and five championships, has been prepping his sons for this moment since their backyard shootarounds in New Jersey. He even warned Ron Jr. about Dylan’s rising talent, saying, ‘When Dylan gets your size, he’s going to be tough.’ Spoiler alert: Dad was right.
The competition format is straightforward yet intense. Teams have 70 seconds to score points by hitting shots from seven locations on the court, with each player shooting in a set order. The top two teams from the first round advance to the finals. Other teams to watch include Team All-Star, featuring Toronto’s Scottie Barnes, Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, and retired star Richard Hamilton, and Team Cameron, led by former Duke stars Jalen Johnson and Kon Knueppel. Team Knicks rounds out the field with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Allan Houston.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the Harper brothers will also face off in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars game the day before Shooting Stars. Dylan, the second overall pick in last year’s draft, will team up with Spurs teammate Stephon Castle under NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, while Ron Jr. joins Austin Rivers’ squad. Dylan, who once assumed every rookie made it to Rising Stars, is humbled by the opportunity. But don’t let his humility fool you—he’s ready to guard his older brother and prove himself. Ron Jr., six years his senior, welcomes the challenge, calling it ‘a good little family affair.’
The Shooting Stars contest first debuted in 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles but was discontinued after the 2015 All-Star Game. Its return raises questions: Will it recapture the magic of its early years, or will it feel like a relic of the past? And more importantly, does the NBA need this event to stay relevant in an already crowded All-Star lineup?
What do you think? Is the Shooting Stars contest a welcome addition or an unnecessary throwback? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this family-filled, skill-driven spectacle!
