Full Breakdown
NBA Awards Eligibility: Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham Overcome 65-Game Rule
4/17/2026, 11:38:42 PM
Overview of the Ruling
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have ruled that Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham are eligible for end-of-season awards, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and All-NBA honors, despite both players falling short of the league's 65-game minimum requirement. This decision was made under the "extraordinary circumstances provision" of the collective bargaining agreement.
Details of the Players' Circumstances
Luka Doncic played 64 games during the regular season, missing two games to attend the birth of his daughter in Slovenia. He averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game, leading the league in scoring. Cade Cunningham, who played 63 games, missed 12 games due to a collapsed lung diagnosed on March 17. He averaged 23.9 points and 9.9 assists per game, ranking second in the league for assists.
Official Statements & Responses
In a joint statement, the NBA and NBPA emphasized that the decision took into account the totality of the circumstances surrounding both players. Doncic expressed gratitude for the ruling, stating, “I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision. This season has been so special to me because of what my teammates and I have been able to accomplish.” Cunningham's eligibility is seen as a significant boost for the Pistons, who secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Criticism & Opposition
The ruling has sparked discussions regarding the fairness of the 65-game rule, particularly in light of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, who played 60 games and had his appeal for eligibility denied. Edwards' case was viewed as particularly unjust by some, including Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, who questioned the consistency of the league's application of the rule. Finch stated, “It feels more like a suggestion than a rule,” highlighting the need for clarity in the appeals process.
Impact on the MVP Race
While Doncic and Cunningham are now eligible for awards, they are not expected to win the MVP title, with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being the clear favorite. Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with an impressive 31.1 points per game and helped the Thunder achieve a league-best record of 64-18. Doncic and Cunningham are likely to finish in the top five of the MVP voting, which holds historical significance for their careers.
What's Next
With the ruling finalized, the NBA has sent out ballots to reporters and broadcasters for the end-of-season awards, which are expected to be announced shortly after the playoffs begin. The decisions regarding the 65-game rule and its implications for player eligibility will likely continue to be a topic of discussion as the league evaluates its policies moving forward.
In summary, the eligibility of Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham for the 2025-26 NBA awards highlights the complexities surrounding player availability and the enforcement of league rules, while also setting the stage for an exciting postseason.
