A rule introduced by the NBA in the 2023-24 season has made it more difficult for stars to become eligible for end-of-season awards. This season, that rule could keep players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James from winning any hardware.
LeBron James and Other NBA Stars Could Become Ineligible for Awards
Aside from the year-to-year grind to win an NBA title, fans are also interested in the battle for end-of-season awards. Whether it’s an MVP or a selection to one of the All-NBA teams, these individual accolades are part of what makes the league entertaining.
However, a relatively new rule introduced in 2023-24 has reshaped the criteria for eligibility for these awards. Under the rule, a player must play at least 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season honors.
Furthermore, the rule states that players must play at least 20 minutes for their participation to count. One caveat is that a player can have two games under 20 minutes, provided they play at least 15 minutes in each.
Basically, this means a player can miss only 17 of the 82 games in a season to remain eligible.
These rules kept Victor Wembanyama from being considered for Defensive Player of the Year or the All-Defensive teams last season, as he played only 46 games. This season, several stars could again miss out on awards because of this.
James currently sits at the top of the list, having already missed 17 games. For the 41-year-old star, that means he will need to suit up for at least 20 minutes in every remaining Los Angeles Lakers game this season to remain eligible.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is also only allowed to miss three more games. Otherwise, he would be out of the awards race as well. Wembanyama, who missed 12 straight games from Nov. 16 to Dec. 10 and then two more at the start of January, is in the same position.
Curry, who will turn 38 in March, as well as Nikola Jokic, are also cutting it close. Both have missed 10 games, though Jokic is currently at greater risk.
Players on the verge of missing the 65-game requirement for regular season awards 😬
LeBron: 17 gms missed
Giannis: 14 gms missed
Wemby: 14 gms missed
Kawhi: 11 gms missedSteph: 10 gms missed
Jokic: 10 gms missed
Ant: 9 gms missed
Luka: 8 gms missed pic.twitter.com/Tii5X13Nnk— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) January 18, 2026
In a game against the Miami Heat on Dec. 29, Jokic hyperextended his knee. Prior to that, he had not missed a single game. Since then, he has missed 10 straight contests. NBA insider Shams Charania reported last week that Jokic has resumed on-court activities, suggesting his return is nearing. However, he will need to remain healthy to preserve his eligibility.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who is on pace to have his best scoring season and lead the league in steals, is also in danger of missing out on awards. He has a history of injuries and has already missed 11 games this season.
Due to the volume of injuries around the league, several voices have already spoken out in favor of abolishing the rule.
