The NBA and it’s controversial 65-game rule has taken center stage again, with Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham officially cleared for end-of-season award eligibility, while Anthony Edwards was denied after an unsuccessful appeal.
“The NBA and NBPA agreed that, taking into account the totality of the circumstances for Cunningham and Doncic, each player qualified for awards,” The league and the National Basketball Players Association came said after coming to a joint decision.
Doncic finished the season with 64 games played, narrowly missing the threshold after stepping away briefly for the birth of his daughter. Cunningham, meanwhile, appeared in 63 games after suffering a collapsed lung late in the season. Both cases were reviewed under the league’s “extraordinary circumstances” clause, allowing flexibility when warranted.
“I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision,” Doncic later addressed the decision publicly on X. “It was so important to me to be present for the birth of my daughter in December, and I appreciate Mark, Jeanie, Rob, JJ, and the entire Lakers organization for fully supporting me and allowing me to travel to be there. This season has been so special to me because of what my teammates and I have been able to accomplish, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for the league’s end-of-season awards.”
Edwards’ situation, however, unfolded differently. After playing 60 games, his appeal was taken to an arbitrator, and ultimately denied.
“Anthony and I appreciate the PA appealing his case. For me personally, I’m a bit confused at the clemency for Cade who missed time for something that happened on the court, and not Ant, who missed time for an infection, but ultimately you already know Ant isn’t trippin over it AT ALL,” Edwards business manager, Justin Holland, said.
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