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NBA Stars Face Award Snub Over New 65-Game Rule
24 Feb
Summary
- A new 65-game rule impacts NBA stars' eligibility for awards.
- Missing games can cost players millions in potential supermax contracts.
- LeBron James and Stephen Curry are among stars ruled out of awards.
The NBA's 2023-24 season introduced a controversial 65-game minimum requirement for players to be eligible for end-of-year individual awards, a change impacting star participation. LeBron James and Stephen Curry have already been disqualified from award contention due to this rule.
This new stipulation extends beyond award eligibility, carrying substantial financial ramifications. Players must be selected for All-NBA teams to qualify for 'supermax' contracts. Consequently, missing games can directly translate to millions of dollars in lost potential earnings for these athletes.
Several other high-profile players, including Nikola Jokic, Devin Booker, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are currently close to not meeting the 65-game threshold. Exceptions exist for season-ending injuries and 'extraordinary circumstances' but involve a complex appeals process.
