65-game rule averted? Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham eligible for NBA awards

Yahoo Sports1h ago14 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

The NBA's 65-game rule for end-of-season awards has been adjusted, allowing Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham to be eligible despite not playing 65 games. Doncic missed two games for a family emergency, while Cunningham missed games due to a collapsed lung.

Key points

NBA's 65-game rule requires players to play 65 games for award eligibility
Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham received exemptions
Doncic missed games for family reasons
Cunningham missed games due to a medical condition
Mixed reviews from fans about the rule's fairness

Los Angeles LakersDetroit Pistons

The NBA's 65-game rule, forcing players to play in at least 65 regular season games in order to be eligible for end-of-season awards, has received mixed reviews from fans and players.

Several fans believe it incentivizes stars to play in games, creating a better product for people in attendance. Others believe such a rule being implemented while individual players may have clauses in their contracts that offer bonuses for earning end-of-season awards creates a system that hurts players for situations that often are out of their control, such as injuries or family emergencies.

Well, it appears the NBA has heard these complaints and is making an adjustment.

Although neither the Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham nor the Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic played in 65 regular season games, both have been reinstated for end-of-season awards.

The NBA announced that Cunningham (63 games played) would be exempt "due in part to missing 12 games as a result of a collapsed lung that was diagnosed on March 17." Meanwhile Doncic (64 games played) earned exemption "due in part to missing two games to attend the birth of his daughter in Slovenia."

Here's what to know.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Ethan Thompson defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Will these exemption keep up moving forward?

The decisions to re-implement both Doncic and Cunningham came as part of the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) under the "extraordinary circumstances provision."

However, the league did not reveal what exactly constitutes an extraordinary circumstance, only that both Cunningham and Doncic applied.

Q&A

Why were Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham exempt from the 65-game rule?

Luka Doncic was exempt due to missing two games for the birth of his daughter, while Cade Cunningham missed 12 games because of a collapsed lung.

What is the NBA's 65-game rule?

The 65-game rule requires players to participate in at least 65 regular season games to be eligible for end-of-season awards.

How do fans feel about the NBA's 65-game rule?

Fans have mixed feelings; some believe it encourages star players to participate, while others argue it penalizes players for circumstances beyond their control.

What impact does the 65-game rule have on player contracts?

The rule can affect player contracts as some players have clauses that offer bonuses for earning end-of-season awards, potentially penalizing them for injuries or personal issues.