NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently addressed the growing debate around the league’s 65-game rule, especially in light of Cade Cunningham's unfortunate injury. This rule, designed to ensure players meet a minimum game participation threshold for major awards, has been under fire for potentially sidelining players who have had standout seasons but faced injuries.
During his comments on Wednesday, Silver acknowledged the criticism but stood by the rule: “I’m not ready to say it’s not working. It is working… I’m not ready to say because there is a sense of unfairness for one player, that the rule doesn’t work.”
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) voiced their concerns, particularly highlighting Cunningham’s situation. They stated, “Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule... Since its implementation, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota.”
Cunningham, at 24, is having a breakout fifth season with the Detroit Pistons. He’s averaging 24.5 points, a career-high 9.9 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. His shooting is impressive too, with 46.1% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc across 61 games, all while playing 34.4 minutes per game.
Cunningham’s stellar play has been pivotal in Detroit’s rise to the top of the Eastern Conference. The Pistons boast a 52-19 record, holding the No. 1 seed as the regular season nears its end.
However, Cunningham’s eligibility for awards is in jeopardy after suffering a collapsed lung last week. Reports suggest he will miss significant time, casting doubt on his ability to meet the 65-game requirement.
This situation has fueled a broader discussion across the league about how to balance player health with award criteria. Both the NBA and NBPA are evaluating the long-term effects of this rule, as they navigate the fine line between maintaining competitive integrity and recognizing exceptional player performances.