NBA Awards Eligibility and Participation
As the race for NBA awards intensifies amidst the ongoing season, a crucial factor emerges that could hinder several star players from contention: participation on the court. According to league stipulations, players must compete in a minimum of 65 games within the 82-game season to qualify for year-end accolades. Consequently, a number of high-profile athletes—such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry—have already been ruled ineligible due to injuries that have kept them sidelined.
Current Candidates in Jeopardy
With approximately 20 games remaining in the season, the clock is ticking for many other aspiring award candidates. For clarity, let’s examine those players who are at risk of falling short of the qualifying mark, as well as those who have already been disqualified.
The NBA’s 65-game rule stipulates that any player missing 18 games disqualifies them from receiving season-ending honors. Here is a detailed look at the players currently facing this dilemma:
- Nikola Jokić (Nuggets): Has missed 16 games due to a left knee injury.
- Lauri Markannen (Jazz): Currently sidelined with a hip injury, also holding 16 games missed.
- Devin Booker (Suns): Out with a right hip strain and an earlier ankle sprain, resulting in 15 missed games.
- Evan Mobley (Cavaliers): Also with 15 missed games, he has struggled with calf strain injuries.
- Kawhi Leonard (Clippers): Missing 14 games as he manages ongoing ankle issues.
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs): Previously sustained calf and knee injuries, accounting for 14 missed games.
- Luka Dončić (Mavericks): Sidelined for 12 games, initially due to a left hamstring injury.
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers): Currently out with a back injury, tallying 12 games missed.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): Recently missed nine games due to an abdominal strain, totaling 11.
- Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): Has missed 10 games linked to hamstring and foot troubles this season.
- Cooper Flagg (Mavericks): Currently out with a left foot sprain, marking 9 games missed.
Players Officially Out of Award Contention
The following notable stars have already been marked ineligible due to their unmet game threshold:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks)
- Jimmy Butler (Warriors)
- Stephen Curry (Warriors)
- Anthony Davis (Mavericks/Wizards)
- Joel Embiid (76ers)
- Josh Giddey (Bulls)
- LeBron James (Lakers)
- Ja Morant (Grizzlies)
- Austin Reaves (Lakers)
- Domantas Sabonis (Kings)
- Franz Wagner (Magic)
- Jalen Williams (Thunder)
- Trae Young (Hawks/Wizards)
As the remaining weeks of the NBA season unfold, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these players’ recoveries and the impacts on the awards landscape. Whether due to injuries or other circumstances, the eligibility situation provides a fresh layer of complexity as the postseason approaches.
