NBA Grants 65-Game Rule Exceptions to Doncic and Cunningham, Denies Edwards

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) approved extraordinary circumstances challenges for Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham regarding the 65-game minimum rule on April 16, 2026. This decision allows both players to qualify for major individual awards despite playing fewer than 65 games in the 2025-26 regular season.

Doncic appeared in 64 games during the season, missing two games in December 2025 due to the birth of his child in Slovenia and one game due to a league-mandated suspension after his 16th technical foul on March 30, 2026.

He also suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2, 2026, but had already met the criteria for the challenge. Cunningham played in 63 games, missing 12 games after being diagnosed with a collapsed lung on March 17, 2026. " In contrast, Anthony Edwards' extraordinary circumstances challenge was denied by an independent arbitrator.

Edwards played in 60 games during the season and did not meet the threshold for an exception. 6 steals per game in 2025-26. He was named Western Conference Player of the Month for both January and March 2026.

9 assists per game, helping the Detroit Pistons secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with 60 wins. Other notable players affected by the 65-game rule include LeBron James, whose 21-year streak of making an All-NBA team ended this season due to ineligibility, as well as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry, who are also ineligible for most major individual awards in 2025-26.

Nikola Jokic qualified by playing 65 games on the final day of the regular season and won both the league's rebounding and assist titles. Victor Wembanyama reached 65 games in the Spurs' penultimate game.

“I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision. 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.”