The NBA’s 65-Game Rule: A Controversial Benchmark
The NBA’s 65-game rule, which requires players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for major awards such as MVP and All-NBA honors, has sparked considerable debate. While the rule remains in place, its impact on star players this season has raised questions about its fairness and effectiveness.
Cade Cunningham, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and other top performers have all faced challenges due to the rule. This season, several of these players missed significant time, making their eligibility for awards a close call.
In the first two seasons after the rule was introduced as part of the 2023 collective bargaining agreement, it didn’t heavily influence the MVP race. However, it could still prevent Cunningham from earning All-NBA honors in a season where he has shown strong potential as an MVP candidate.
Criticism and Calls for Change
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has already voiced concerns about the rule. In a statement, they highlighted Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a standout season, calling it a clear indictment of the 65-game rule. They argue that the rule needs to be abolished or reformed to include exceptions for significant injuries.
Currently, there is a minor exception for season-ending injuries, but Cunningham doesn’t qualify for it. Similarly, Anthony Edwards saw his chances of reaching 65 games vanish after being ruled out of a game with illness.
Luka Doncic, despite being shut down for the regular season due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain, might still be eligible for season-long awards. His representatives are reportedly applying for an extraordinary circumstances grievance, citing his two games missed for the birth of his son earlier in the season.
Tracking Award Eligibility
The Sporting News has been tracking the award eligibility of several NBA stars, including Cunningham, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jokic. Here’s a look at each player’s current games played count:
- Cooper Flagg – 70 games played
- Tyrese Maxey – 70 games played
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 68 games played
- Evan Mobley – 65 games played
- Deni Avdija – 66 games played
- Kawhi Leonard – 65 games played
- Luka Doncic – 64 games played
- Nikola Jokic – 65 games played
- Victor Wembanyama – 64 games played
- Cade Cunningham – 63 games played
- Anthony Edwards – 61 games played
The Impact on Star Players
Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic both returned to action after dealing with injuries, allowing them to meet the 65-game threshold. Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed the mark with some room to spare, while Jokic reached 65 games on the last day of the season.
Cunningham, however, is in a different situation. Due to a collapsed lung, he didn’t meet the required number of games for awards. Edwards also missed out on adding to his All-NBA accolades after being ruled out of a game with illness.
Victor Wembanyama, who played 64 games, will still be eligible for awards based on the rules.
Understanding the 65-Game Rule
Starting with the 2023-24 season, the NBA implemented the 65-game rule to ensure players are sufficiently involved in the regular season to be considered for major awards. This rule applies to the Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards, as well as All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. It does not apply to the Rookie of the Year or Sixth Man of the Year awards.
The rule was introduced to combat the trend of “load management,” where teams rest players to keep them fresh or manage minor ailments. Despite this, many top scorers continue to miss games. As of March 25, only two of the NBA’s 45 20-point-per-game scorers rank among the top 25 in games played: Minnesota’s Julius Randle and Orlando’s Desmond Bane.
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