65-Game Rule

The NBA's 65-game minimum for end-of-season awards, introduced in 2023, faces scrutiny after Nikola Jokić's knee injury likely disqualifies him from MVP contention. Critics argue the rule fails to curb load management and instead pressures young players to rush recoveries for financial incentives. Historical data shows such absences rarely affected awards before, but All-NBA selections now tie directly to supermax contracts.