The NBA has introduced a major change that directly impacts how its biggest awards are decided. Known as the 65-game rule, this policy sets a minimum threshold for players to qualify for honors like MVP, All-NBA teams, and Defensive Player of the Year.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what the rule is, why it exists, and how it affects the league.
What Is the NBA 65-Game Rule?
The NBA 65-game rule requires players to participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for most major individual awards.
Additionally, each of those games must include:
- A minimum of 20 minutes played
This ensures that players are not just appearing in games briefly, but actually contributing meaningful minutes.
Which Awards Require 65 Games?
The rule applies to the NBA’s most prestigious individual honors, including:
- Most Valuable Player (MVP)
- Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
- All-NBA Teams
- All-Defensive Teams
- Most Improved Player (MIP)
If a player does not meet the 65-game requirement, they are automatically ineligible, regardless of their performance level.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the rule is strict, the NBA has included a few exceptions:
- Players can qualify with 62 games if they suffer a season-ending injury
- Up to two games under 20 minutes can still count if the player exits early due to injury
These exceptions prevent players from being unfairly excluded due to circumstances beyond their control.
Why Did the NBA Create This Rule?
The NBA implemented the 65-game rule to address growing concerns around:
- Load management (resting players during the season)
- Fans missing out on seeing star players
- Award winners not playing enough games to justify honors
By setting a clear minimum, the league is emphasizing consistency, durability, and availability as essential parts of player value.
How the Rule Impacts MVP Races
The 65-game rule has already had a significant effect on award races. Players who may have MVP-level statistics can be removed from contention simply for not meeting the games-played threshold.
For example:
- A player with elite scoring and efficiency who plays 60 games is not eligible for MVP
- Meanwhile, a slightly less dominant player who plays 70+ games remains in contention
This shift places greater importance on staying healthy and available throughout the season.
Final Thoughts
The NBA 65-game rule is reshaping how individual greatness is measured. It’s no longer just about stats—it’s about showing up consistently over the course of an 82-game season.
As the league continues to evolve, this rule ensures that award winners are not only elite performers but also reliable contributors who are on the court when it matters most.