The NBA’s 65-game rule is under scrutiny as several players risk ineligibility for individual awards. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has voiced its concerns regarding the rule’s impact on player eligibility for honours such as the All-NBA team.
NBPA Calls for Rule Change
The NBPA, which agreed to the rule through collective bargaining, is now advocating for amendments. The association believes the rule is unfair, particularly in cases of significant injuries.
According to a spokesperson, the current situation, where players could be ineligible for postseason awards after career-defining seasons, is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule. The NBPA argues this highlights why it should be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries. The union feels that since its implementation, too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honours by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota.
Wembanyama’s MVP Hopes at Risk
San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, considered an MVP contender, is near the line for ineligibility due to the 65-game requirement. Several other prominent players are also affected. LeBron James’ 21-year streak of All-NBA team selections will end because of the rule.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Golden State’s Stephen Curry have also missed too many games to be eligible. Denver’s Nikola Jokic is also near the line for ineligibility.
Agent Criticises ‘Arbitrary’ Threshold
Cade Cunningham’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, has criticised the rule. He said that if Cunningham falls just short of an arbitrary games-played threshold due to legitimate injury, it should not disqualify him from recognition he has clearly earned over the course of the season.
Schwartz argues the league should be rewarding excellence, not enforcing rigid cutoffs that ignore context. He believes an exception needs to be made.
Players Voice Concerns
Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell acknowledged the difficult situation the rule creates. He said players get paid money to be out there, but there are certain things you cannot control, adding that it’s not like guys are resting and missing these games and that these are legitimate injuries.
Mitchell believes it is something to look at for sure because there’s no way certain guys should be in this scenario.
Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Lakers’ Luka Doncic can still miss a handful of games and keep their eligibility for awards.
Despite the 65-game rule, there are some ways a player can be eligible for awards such as MVP, defensive player of the year, All-Defensive teams and All-NBA teams even if falling short of the 65-game number.