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The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) asked the league to make a change to its 65-game eligibility rule for players to be considered for awards.
NBA players who do not play 65 games are not considered for the league’s top honors, such as NBA MVP. The union pointed to Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who emerged as an MVP candidate this season but might not be considered for the award if he misses more time. He is currently sidelined due to 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 ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear criticism of the 65-game rule and yet another example of why it should be abolished or reformed to create an exception for major injuries,” the union said. “Since its implementation, too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota.”
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors have missed too much time to be considered for All-NBA teams.
Injuries have also affected Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets this season. All players are in line for MVP, but are close to being ineligible.
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell said he understood the rule, but there were many other factors at play.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, left, greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic after an NBA basketball game on 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 consider for sure because there’s no way certain guys should be in this scenario.”
Kevin Durant suggested in 2024 that he was indifferent to the rule.
“I just want guys healthy and on the court too. I guess that’s the solution, trying to keep the guys on the court,” he said at the time. “It’s something we have to deal with. I won’t say I love it or hate it either, but it’s something we have to deal with.”
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks 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 implemented in October in hopes of curbing load management and putting emphasis on the regular season. The rule may also affect whether players will receive a supermax contract in the future.
