The National Basketball Players Association is pushing to eliminate the 65-game minimum for postseason awards, pointing to Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung as a key example of the rule’s shortcomings – despite previously agreeing to it.
In a statement Tuesday, the NBPA called the rule “arbitrary and overly rigid,” directly referencing Cunningham’s situation.
Cunningham has played 61 games this season and needs four more to qualify for honors like MVP and All-NBA, with 11 games remaining on Detroit’s schedule.
A spokeswoman for the NBPA stated: “Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule and yet another example of why it must be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries. Since its implementation, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota.”
Other stars, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic, have also missed significant time, while Victor Wembanyama must play most of the Spurs’ remaining games to stay eligible for Defensive Player of the Year.
The rule, introduced in the 2023 CBA, has drawn criticism for potentially pressuring injured players to return too soon in order to remain eligible for awards.
NBPA Demands Reform Of 65-Game Rule As Award Eligibility Threatens NBA’s Top Stars https://t.co/d16YxYqhL9
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