NBPA seeks changes to 65-game eligibility rule after Cade Cunningham injury
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The National Basketball Players Association on Tuesday urged the NBA to modify the 65-game requirement for postseason awards, pointing to Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham as the latest example of a player potentially penalized by the standard.
Cunningham has appeared in 61 games but is expected to miss additional time while recovering from a collapsed lung. If the 22-year-old falls short of 65 appearances, he would be barred from honors such as the All-NBA teams despite what his representatives call a “first-team All-NBA season.”
“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,” an NBPA spokesperson said.
The rule, negotiated in the current collective bargaining agreement, disqualifies numerous standouts this season. LeBron James will see his 21-year streak of All-NBA selections end, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry have also missed too many games. Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama remain close to the cutoff, and MVP leaders Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic retain a slim margin for absence.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell recently called the policy “tough,” noting that players sidelined by “legitimate injuries” are being punished rather than those resting by choice.
The collective bargaining agreement allows limited exceptions: players with at least 62 games who suffer season-ending injuries remain eligible. That clause does not cover Cunningham’s situation.
Source: ESPN
