The NBA is once again facing criticism from the National Basketball Players Association, with Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham at the center, after concerns emerged regarding his eligibility for major individual honors due to the league’s 65-game rule.
Cunningham has played 61 games this season, but he is recovering from a collapsed lung and is likely to miss additional contests, potentially falling short of the 65-game threshold, which could bar him from awards such as All-NBA selections despite a career-defining season.
The NBPA, which agreed to the 65-game rule during collective bargaining, now argues that the regulation should be revised to prevent players like Cunningham from being unfairly excluded, calling for either abolition or an exception for serious injuries impacting award eligibility.
“Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season,” the NBPA said. “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 high-profile players affected this season include LeBron James, whose 21-year streak of making an All-NBA team will end, as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry, who missed enough games to become ineligible for awards under the current rule.
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, both considered MVP candidates, hover near the ineligibility line, while frontrunners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic retain some margin to meet the 65-game minimum, keeping their award hopes intact.
Despite criticism, some NBA figures continue to support the 65-game rule. Union officials like Andre Iguodala and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown have publicly backed the rule, arguing it maintains fairness in award consideration by prioritizing availability across the season.
There are provisions that allow players appearing in 62 games who suffered season-ending injuries to remain eligible for MVP, All-NBA, and other awards. However, these exceptions do not currently apply to Cunningham, leaving his candidacy for recognition in limbo.
Pistons sneak past LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s Los Angeles Lakers
Daniss Jenkins scored a career-high 30 points, including six in the final 34 seconds, as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-110 on Monday, snapping Los Angeles’ nine-game winning streak and building momentum for a late-season surge.
The Pistons overcame 32 points from Luka Doncic and 24 from Austin Reaves to win their fourth straight game and seventh in eight contests. Jalen Duren contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating Detroit’s depth in critical moments down the stretch.
Detroit trailed by 16 early in the third quarter, but the Lakers briefly led 108-107 after Deandre Ayton’s free throws with 39.9 seconds left. Jenkins responded with free throws and a key basket, sealing Detroit’s 113-110 victory as Doncic missed a contested three-pointer at the buzzer.
Earlier, the Lakers tied the game at 91 with nine minutes remaining, but the Pistons answered with a 10-3 run to build a seven-point lead. Los Angeles battled back to 105-105 on Luke Kennard’s free throws with 2:39 remaining, setting up a dramatic finish favoring Detroit.
Read the full article here
