The NBA’s 65‑game rule sparks controversy as stars like Luka Doncic, Edwards and Cunningham face award ineligibility

The debate has been heated from the moment it began. In an effort to curb “load management” and prevent stars from sitting out regular‑season games without clear justification, the NBA introduced a new policy that directly affects the league’s biggest individual awards. And because awards are tied to money — often a lot of money — the backlash has been loud.

Commissioner Adam Silver and the league office in New York implemented the 65‑game minimum, meaning a player must appear in at least 65 regular‑season games to be eligible for season‑ending honors. The logic was simple: ensure more star participation, strengthen the league’s TV product, and keep broadcasters — who pour billions into the NBA — happy.

But while the intention may have been good, many fans and players believe the execution is failing.

Big names, big money… and big losses

Several high‑profile players are set to miss out on awards — and the massive contract bonuses tied to them — during the 2025–26 season. The most glaring early examples were Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards, both of whom can no longer reach the 65‑game threshold.

Both have logged over 2,000 minutes this season, while other award contenders — like Victor Wembanyama — haven’t even reached 1,500. Is the number of games really the best metric?

Edwards has dealt with minor injuries. Cunningham is sidelined with a blood clot. Cunningham was even considered a dark‑horse MVP candidate before the setback.

Luka Doncic: the latest star on the wrong side of the rule

The newest — and most dramatic — case involves Luka Doncic, who appears likely to fall short unless he returns immediately. If he doesn’t play again in the next week and a half, he’ll finish with 64 games, making him ineligible for every major award.

He recently served a one‑game suspension for technical fouls — a game that, had he played, would have put him over the threshold even with his current leg injury. But fate doesn’t negotiate.

Doncic is having a spectacular season, yet may walk away with no individual recognition.

The rule’s exceptions don’t help Luka

The NBA’s policy includes a few narrow exceptions, but Dončić doesn’t qualify. One example: by March 31, a player must have appeared in 85% of his team’s games to be eligible for an injury exemption. Doncic has played 64 of 77 — just one game short of the mark.

Even then, the league would need to wait until May 31 and have an independent doctor confirm the injury is severe enough to prevent a return within two months.

For now, the Lakers are focused on whether their superstar will be healthy for the playoffs.

Many stars affected — not just Luka

Doncic, Edwards, and Cunningham aren’t alone. Among last season’s All‑NBA selections, players like Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James would also fall short under the current rule. Those four alone have 46 All‑NBA selections between them.

The reality: most superstars want to meet the requirement, but the NBA schedule is brutal, and bodies break down. The league, however, continues to defend the rule.

Adam Silver: “The rule is working”

“When you draw a line, someone will fall on the other side. We always knew that,” Silver said after the latest owners’ meeting. “When a player becomes ineligible, someone else gets that spot. I believe the rule is working.”

The players’ union strongly disagrees, calling for the rule to be “abolished or reformed.” Both sides approved it in the 2023 collective bargaining agreement — but three years later, only one side is happy.

The Haliburton example: playing hurt for a payday

One of the clearest illustrations of the rule’s unintended consequences came from Tyrese Haliburton with the Indiana Pacers. In 2024, he played through a documented muscle injury — in a similar area to Doncic’s current issue — just to reach the 65‑game mark and qualify for All‑NBA consideration.

That selection triggered a clause allowing him to sign a five‑year, $244 million max extension.

Is this the kind of risk the league wants players taking?

The debate isn’t going away. In fact, it’s only getting louder.

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