Home / Sports / NBA's 65-Game Rule: All-Stars Out, New Stars In
NBA's 65-Game Rule: All-Stars Out, New Stars In
6 Apr
Summary
- Players must play 65 games to be eligible for awards.
- Superstars like Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic miss out.
- Alperen Sengun shines, potentially benefiting from the rule.

The 2025-26 NBA season is marked by a new policy targeting player load management, requiring a minimum of 65 games played for award eligibility. This mandate has significant implications, as several top stars, including Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic, will be ineligible for end-of-season honors and All-NBA selections.
The absence of these prominent players creates openings for others to earn recognition. Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is highlighted as a potential beneficiary, demonstrating an All-NBA level of performance throughout the recent stretch of games.
Sengun, already an All-Star for the second consecutive year, has been averaging impressive statistics, including 20.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. His recent surge in performance, with elevated scoring and improved shooting efficiency, further solidifies his case for an All-NBA team selection.
His consistent play, even without a dedicated point guard feeding him the ball, underscores his impact. Despite potential unpopularity, Sengun's strong season and recent play position him as a viable candidate for an All-NBA team, largely due to the new 65-game eligibility rule.