Mumbai, April 14: The NBA’s 65-game rule has faced criticism, yet it remains in effect. Stars like Cade Cunningham, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic must play at least 65 games to qualify for prestigious awards such as MVP and All-NBA honors.
This season, several players have missed games, making their eligibility uncertain. The 65-game rule did not significantly affect the MVP race in its initial seasons since its introduction in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement. However, it may hinder Cunningham’s chances for All-NBA recognition, despite his emergence as a strong MVP candidate.
The NBA Players Association (NBPA) has called for a revision of this rule, stating, “Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season highlights the flaws of the 65-game rule. It underscores the need for reform to accommodate significant injuries.”
While there is a minor exception for season-ending injuries, Cunningham does not qualify. Anthony Edwards also fell short of the 65-game mark after being sidelined due to illness during a game against the Pistons on April 2.
Luka Doncic might still be eligible for season-long awards, despite being shut down for the regular season due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain. His representatives are reportedly filing for an extraordinary circumstances grievance, citing two games missed for the birth of his son earlier this season.
The Sporting News has been tracking the eligibility of various NBA stars, including Cunningham, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic. Below are the latest games played totals for notable award contenders:
NBA Awards Eligibility Tracker
Both Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic have returned to the court after injuries, successfully reaching the 65-game threshold. MVP frontrunner Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed the requirement comfortably, while Jokic’s 65th game occurred on the final day of the season.
Cunningham, however, is in a different situation. Due to a collapsed lung, he fell short of the required games. Edwards is also unable to add to his All-NBA accolades after being ruled out of a game against Detroit.
Victor Wembanyama played 64 games but remains eligible for awards based on the current rules.
Here are the latest games played totals for notable award and All-NBA contenders:
Player
Games Played
Remaining Games
Cooper Flagg
70
0
Tyrese Maxey
70
0
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
68
0
Evan Mobley
65
0
Deni Avdija
66
0
Kawhi Leonard
65
0
Luka Doncic
64
0
Nikola Jokic
65
0
Victor Wembanyama
64
0
Cade Cunningham
63
0
Anthony Edwards
61
0
Understanding the NBA 65-Game Rule
Beginning with the 2023-24 season, NBA regulations require players to participate in at least 65 games to qualify for awards such as Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player, as well as All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. This rule does not apply to Rookie of the Year or Sixth Man of the Year awards.
The rule was established in the current collective bargaining agreement to address the trend of “load management,” where teams rested players to maintain their health or manage minor injuries. Despite this rule, many stars continue to miss games. As of March 25, only two of the NBA’s 45 players averaging 20 points per game rank among the top 25 in games played: Minnesota’s Julius Randle and Orlando’s Desmond Bane.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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