Every NBA Star at Risk of Missing Out on End-of-Season Awards Due to NBA Rule

The NBA has implemented new eligibility rules for major awards starting from the 2023-2024 season, requiring players to participate in at least 65 regular season games to qualify for honors such as MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and All-NBA or All-Defensive teams. Games count toward the total if a player logs at least 20 minutes, with exceptions allowing up to two games to count if a player exits after 15 minutes due to injury. Additionally, players who suffer season-ending injuries after playing at least 62 games and 85% of their team's games remain eligible.

Several star players are at risk of missing award eligibility due to injuries or missed games. Nikola Jokic, who had played all 32 games for the Denver Nuggets before hyperextending his knee in late December, has missed eight consecutive games and must return by January 30 and play every remaining game to meet the threshold. LeBron James has already missed 17 games this season and will become ineligible for All-NBA honors if he misses one more, jeopardizing his streak of 21 such selections.

Other players face varying levels of risk. Anthony Edwards can miss only nine more of the Minnesota Timberwolves' games after sitting out eight so far due to a foot injury. Victor Wembanyama has missed 14 of the San Antonio Spurs' first 40 games and can afford only three more absences to stay eligible. Kawhi Leonard, despite missing 10 straight games in November, has played 22 consecutive games and can miss seven more, while Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed nine games but can miss eight more in the second half.

In contrast, some stars are on track to meet the requirements. Tyrese Maxey has missed only two of the Philadelphia 76ers' first 38 games, putting him in good shape for All-NBA consideration. Jaylen Brown has missed just three games for the Boston Celtics, and Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP, has missed only two games this season and is likely to remain eligible barring a serious injury. These developments highlight the impact of the NBA's new rules on player availability and award eligibility as the season progresses.

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