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The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) called on the league to change its 65-game eligibility rule for players to be considered for awards.
NBA players who fail to play 65 games are not considered for the league’s top honor, like the NBA MVP. The union pointed to Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who emerged as an MVP candidate this season but may not be considered for the award if he misses more time. He is currently sidelined with a collapsed lung.
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Memphis Grizzlies forward Cedric Coward (23) drives against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
“Cade Cunningham’s potential exclusion for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule and another example of why it needs to be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries,” the union said. “Since its implementation, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota.”
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo and Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry have missed too much time to be considered for the All-NBA teams.
Injuries have also plagued San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama and Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic this season. Every player is in line for MVP but is about to be shut out.
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell said he understood the rule, but there were too many other factors at play.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, left, greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic after an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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“It’s for the right reasons, but it’s tough,” Mitchell said over the weekend. “We get paid money to be out there, but there are certain things you can’t control. It’s not like guys are resting and missing these games. These are legitimate injuries, so it’s something to look at for sure because there’s no way certain guys should be in this scenario.”
Kevin Durant suggested in 2024 that he didn’t care about the rule.
“I just want guys healthy and on the field as well. I guess that’s the solution too, try to get guys to stay on the field,” he said at the time. “It’s just something we have to deal with. I’m not going to say I love it or I hate it either, but it’s just something we have to deal with.”
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) goes on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
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The rule was introduced in October in hopes of limiting load management and emphasizing the regular season. The rule could also affect whether players will receive a supermax contract in the future.
