Back in 2001, 3× NBA All-Star Antoine Walker made headlines by sinking nine three-pointers in a single game, earning the title of that season’s top three-point shooter. When asked why he took so many shots from beyond the arc, his reply was classic: “Because there are no 4s.” However, just two years later, Walker’s reputation took a hit when he joined 14× NBA All-Star Michael Jordan on the notorious list of worst three-point contest players. Now, 21 years later, Walker is finally shedding light on what really happened.

During a chat on The Branded Network podcast last week, Walker was grilled about his lackluster performance at the three-point contest. The host didn’t hold back, noting how Walker “stunk it up” and probing into the actual story. The 2006 NBA champion was upfront about his poor showing, admitting, “Yeah, I did stunk it up,” but quickly hinted at a valid excuse that adds a surprising twist to the tale.

In 2003, Walker was in prime form, making three-pointers with impressive accuracy. His then-coach, Jim O’Brien, had him shooting 8-9 three-pointers per game, a strategy not commonly used at the time. With encouragement from his teammates, Walker decided to enter the three-point contest, expecting it to be a fun experience.

But the night before the contest, things took an unexpected turn. Walker revealed he was in his hotel room with friends, and they were all drinking. He hadn’t realized he needed to be present 3 hours before the competition for media duties. By the time he showed up, he was already a few drinks in and far from being in top form. “They knocking the door at 5:00, like ‘you gotta go’. I am like two three drinks in. I’m having a ball,” he recalled.

Despite the circumstances, Walker participated in the contest, scoring just 8-9 points. He acknowledged he wasn’t the worst performer, but definitely wasn’t at his best. Reflecting on the experience, Walker felt a mix of regret and relief. He wasn’t proud of his performance, but was glad to finally reveal the truth behind it.“It wasn’t because I couldn’t shoot, it’s because I was a little impaired,” he concluded, thanking the host for bringing in up.

Antoine Walker joined Michael Jordan and others on the list of worst three-point contest players

According to Hoops Hype, Antoine Walker’s 2003 performance places him fourth on the list of worst three-point contest players. He recorded a disappointing 23.33 percent success rate, making only seven of the 30 attempts. Right on top was the Bulls legend for the worst percentage ever in the 1990 three-point contest, with a mere 16.67 percent.

Moreover, Jordan’s 5-point showing that year tied with Detlef Schrempf’s 1988 mark, creating two of the lowest performances in the contest’s history. Despite this lackluster display, Jordan made history by becoming the first NBA player to compete in both the All-Star Slam Dunk and Three-Point Contests in the same season.

However, other NBA legends also appear on Hoops Hype’s list of the worst three-point contest participants such as 10× NBA All-Star Clyde Drexler is tied for the fifth-worst spot with a 26.67 percent success rate, while 9× NBA All-Star Paul George ranks eighth-worst with 26.69 percent. 11× NBA All-Star Allen Iverson is listed as the 16th-worst with 33.33 percent. Well, even the greatest players can have their off moments.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.