The NBA Regular Season is entering its decisive phase, but off the court a growing debate is heating up: the 65-game rule now at the center of criticism from the NBPA. The case of Cade Cunningham risks becoming the symbol of a system that, according to many, fails to account for real-world context.
The Detroit Pistons star is having what is undoubtedly the best season of his career. Yet, due to a serious injury – a collapsed lung – he may not reach the minimum threshold required to be eligible for individual awards.
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has taken a firm stance, calling for changes to the rule introduced in the current collective bargaining agreement.
According to the union, the Cunningham case represents “a clear indictment of an overly rigid and arbitrary rule”. The request is simple: introduce exceptions for significant injuries or completely overhaul the system.
The core issue is that a rule designed to limit load management ends up penalizing players who are forced to sit out for legitimate, documented reasons.
Currently, Cunningham has played 61 games and is unlikely to reach the 65-game mark. A detail that could carry massive consequences.
His agent, Jeff Schwartzclearly outlined the issue:
The issue goes beyond just Cunningham. Several high-profile players risk missing out on end-of-season awards:
Even in the MVP race, the situation remains delicate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic still have some margin but cannot afford many more absences.
Frustration is growing among players. Donovan Mitchell summed up the general sentiment:
That’s the key point: the rule is based on a reasonable idea, but in practice it risks creating paradoxical situations.
There are already some exceptions, such as for players who appear in at least 62 games and then suffer a season-ending injury. But not every case fits those criteria, and Cunningham is one of them.
The debate remains open: maintain a rigid threshold or introduce greater flexibility?
For now, the feeling is that the NBA will have to step in. Because when All-NBA level performances risk being ignored over three or four missing games the system inevitably shows its limits.
