As the 2023-24 NBA season progresses, a crucial aspect of the league’s regulations, the 65-game rule, has come under intense scrutiny. This rule, introduced in the 2023-24 season, requires players to participate in at least 65 games and log a minimum of 20 minutes per game to be eligible for major awards like the MVP, DPOY, All-NBA, and All-Defense. This doesn’t apply to Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man, and All-Rookie awards.
The rule is particularly impactful this season, as several stars, including 76ers center Joel Embiid, have missed significant time due to injuries. Embiid, the reigning MVP, is currently walking a tightrope; he needs to limit his missed games to five more to stay in contention for Most Valuable Player and All-NBA honors.
The Rule’s Reception Among Players and the NBA Community
The reception of the 65-game rule among players has been mixed, with several expressing their disapproval. Former NBA player Jamal Crawford voiced concerns about players risking their health to meet a “quota.” Tyrese Haliburton bluntly called the rule “stupid,” emphasizing the need for players to prioritize their health to meet the stringent requirements.
Warriors forward Draymond Green also criticized the rule on his podcast, particularly in the context of Joel Embiid’s knee injury. Green suggested that Embiid’s return from injury might have been hastened due to the pressure of meeting the 65-game threshold, potentially leading to a worsened condition.
65-Game Rule’s Impact on Past Seasons’ Award Winners
The 65-game rule, if applied retrospectively, would have significantly altered the landscape of past NBA award winners. Notably, players like Karl Malone, Bill Walton, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bob Cousy, who have won MVP playing less than 65 games, wouldn’t have qualified under the current rule. Similarly, DPOY winners like Alonzo Mourning, Rudy Gobert, Tyson Chandler, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Kawhi Leonard, who played less than 65 games in their award-winning seasons, would have been ineligible.
“They shouldn’t have to risk themselves and their livelihood to say ‘I need to meet a quota’ to be eligible for this stuff.”@JCrossover on the NBA’s 65-game minimum requirement for regular season awards pic.twitter.com/sUHV1QWv9m
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 31, 2024
The Dilemma for Current Season Players
For current season players like Lauri Markkanen, Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Jimmy Butler, and others who have missed significant games, the 65-game rule poses a serious challenge. As teams and players navigate injuries and rest periods, the rule adds an additional layer of strategy to how teams manage player health and availability.
A Rule with Far-Reaching Implications
The NBA’s 65-game rule brings a new dimension to the league’s award considerations, impacting player strategies and team dynamics. As the season unfolds, it remains to be seen how this rule will shape the race for the NBA’s prestigious awards and the decisions teams make regarding player health and game participation.
