Players Push Back: 65‑Game Rule
Players and the union are publicly pushing back against the NBA’s 65‑game minimum for award eligibility, calling for reform or abolition as injured stars are being penalized. The debate specifically notes cases like Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama — players whose award chances can be derailed by the rule despite elite production. (mundodeportivo.com (nbcsports.com)
The National Basketball Players Association issued a formal statement on March 24, 2026 calling for the 65‑game rule to be “abolished or reformed,” saying the quota has “unfairly disqualified” deserving players. (ESPN: ) Detroit guard Cade Cunningham has appeared in 61 games this season and is recovering from a collapsed lung, a combination the NBPA says could leave him short of the 65‑game threshold for end‑of‑season awards. (ESPN: ) Cunningham’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, told ESPN that “Cade has delivered a first‑team All‑NBA season” and argued a narrow games‑played cutoff should not strip a player of earned recognition. (ESPN: ) ESPN’s reporting lists multiple high‑profile consequences this season — LeBron James’ 21‑year All‑NBA streak projected to end, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry already ineligible, and Nikola Jokić plus Victor Wembanyama described as “near the line.” (ESPN: ) The 65‑game threshold was adopted in the 2023‑24 collective bargaining agreement as part of the Player Participation Policy and typically requires 65 games with minimum minutes (with a season‑ending injury safety net at 62 games plus an 85% team‑games clause). (HoopsRumors: ) NBA Commissioner Adam Silver defended the policy at the Board of Governors meeting on March 25, 2026, saying “I think it is working,” while also telling owners the league will pursue changes to deter tanking before the 2026 draft. (NBC Sports: ESPN: )
