The NBA’s minimum of 65 regular-season appearances to qualify for end-of-season awards is drawing increased criticism after Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić missed roughly a month with a hyperextended knee, effectively removing him from the 2023-24 MVP race.
Adopted ahead of this season, the policy covers honors such as Most Valuable Player and All-NBA teams. League officials promoted the threshold as a tool to discourage load management and ensure television partners see more on-court time from marquee players.
Opponents argue the rule is having its greatest impact on All-NBA voting, where selections can trigger substantial contract escalators. Voters have historically favored durability in MVP races without a formal requirement, but All-NBA status directly affects player salaries, especially for younger stars on rookie-scale extensions.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton acknowledged last season that he hurried back from a hamstring injury to reach the 65-game mark, qualifying for All-NBA and a significant raise but struggling to regain peak form for several months.
Veteran stars such as LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard reportedly have not changed their approach to injury management, leaving fewer top-tier players eligible and increasing the likelihood that borderline candidates land on All-NBA teams.
Critics warn that inflated contracts tied to those selections could strain team payrolls and eventually force the league to revisit the rule. While Jokić’s absence from MVP contention is the most visible case, executives and agents contend the larger issue is the financial ripple effect of All-NBA incentives.
The 65-game provision was introduced to protect revenue; according to opponents, mounting monetary complications may ultimately prompt the NBA to reconsider the policy.
Source: Hoops Wire
