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NBA Award Rule Shake-Up: Stars Get Eligibility Boost
17 Apr
Summary
- Doncic and Cunningham granted award eligibility despite fewer than 65 games.
- Appeals focused on 'Extraordinary Circumstances' like birth of a child.
- Anthony Edwards' challenge to the 65-game rule was denied.
The NBA's 65-game rule for award eligibility has become a major talking point as the 2025-26 regular season concluded. Several star players fell short of the minimum game requirement, leading to widespread calls for rule modifications. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham were initially set to miss out on All-NBA teams and MVP contention due to this rule.
Doncic played in 64 games and appealed his eligibility, citing two missed games for the birth of his daughter in Slovenia. Cunningham also played in 64 games, with 63 qualified, after a collapsed lung sidelined him. Both players filed challenges under the 'Extraordinary Circumstances' clause, which the league approved.
Conversely, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who played in 61 games due to injuries, had his appeal denied. Despite a career-best scoring average, Edwards will not be eligible for awards. The NBA and the players' union reviewed these appeals, with the outcomes highlighting the nuanced application of the 65-game threshold.
