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The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has 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 honors, such as NBA MVP. The union highlighted Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who has emerged as an MVP candidate this season but may 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) battles 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 indictment of the 65-game rule and another example of why it must be abolished or reformed to create an exception for serious injuries,” the union said. “Since its inception, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors due to 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 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. Every player is in the running for MVP but is on the verge of being ineligible.
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell said he understands the rule, but there are 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 difficult,” Mitchell said this weekend. “We’re paid to be on the field, but there are some things you can’t control. It’s not like guys are resting and missing these games. Those are legitimate injuries, so it’s something to watch for for sure because there’s no way certain guys should be in that scenario.”
Kevin Durant suggested in 2024 that he was indifferent to the rule.
“I just want guys healthy and on the field too. I guess that’s the solution, trying to get guys to stay on the field,” he said at the time. “It’s just something we have to deal with. I won’t 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) 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 put in place in October in hopes of curbing load management and putting the focus on the regular season. The rule may also impact whether players receive a supermax contract in the future.
