The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is taking a stand against the 65-game rule, calling for its modification or removal. This rule, which ties eligibility for postseason awards to the number of games played, is under fire for potentially disqualifying deserving players like Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham from receiving recognition after a standout season.
Cunningham's situation highlights the rule's impact. After suffering a collapsed lung, he's at risk of missing out on awards due to not meeting the 65-game threshold.
He's not alone; Pistons teammates Isaiah Stewart and Daniss Jenkins are also affected. While they might hit the 65-game mark, the rule's stipulation that a "game" requires at least 20 minutes of playtime complicates their eligibility.
Stewart expressed his frustration, noting that the NBPA shares his concerns about the rule's fairness. The rule, part of the collective bargaining agreement since the 2023-24 season, does offer an exception for players with late-season injuries, but it doesn't apply to Cunningham. He was injured during his 61st game, and his injury isn't considered season-ending, meaning he must return and play in all of Detroit's remaining games to qualify.
The 65-game rule was intended to curb load management but has instead skewed the awards landscape. If the league isn't ready to scrap the rule, potential reforms could include lowering the game requirement to 58 games, aligning with the standard for statistical leaders, or reducing the minimum-minute requirement for a game to count. Another option is to adjust the consequences, allowing players who don't meet the requirement to still be considered for awards, albeit with restrictions on their ranking.
Cunningham isn’t the only player on the edge. Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Edwards are all navigating the tightrope of eligibility due to injuries or game counts. The ongoing debate around this rule underscores the need for a system that fairly recognizes player achievements without rigid constraints.