Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, Anthony Davis, and Luka Doncic are among the notable players who failed to meet the 65-game requirement for end-of-season award eligibility.
Only 84 players met the NBA's 65-game minimum requirement this season to qualify for end-of-season awards, according to Justin Russo.
Kevin Durant
| Team: |
Phoenix Suns |
| Position: | PF |
| Age: | 36 |
| Height: | 211 cm |
| Weight: | 109 kg |
| Birth place: | Washington, United States of America |
This 65-game rule applies to major accolades such as Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, as well as selections to the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams.
However, the Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and All-Rookie Team awards are not subject to this requirement.
The 84 eligible players represent just 15.7% of all players in the league this season—an eye-opening stat that highlights the impact of the new rule.
One player, who tried desperately to reach the requirement was Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists this season. He finished the campaign with 63 games played, dealing with a knee injury, and was just two shy of qualifying, making him ineligible for any of the major awards.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant, who played a great season statistically, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists, also narrowly missed out, appearing in 62 games.
Several other stars will be sidelined from award consideration after falling short of the 65-game requirement due to injuries - including Luka Doncic, Damian Lillard, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, LaMelo Ball, and Ja Morant.
Meanwhile, some players just barely made the cut. New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes both appeared in exactly 65 games this season, securing their eligibility by the narrowest of margins.
