Dončić and Cunningham Clear NBA Hurdle for MVP and All-NBA Awards
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham have successfully challenged the NBA's 65-game eligibility rule, making them eligible for significant postseason awards, including MVP and All-NBA teams. This announcement came on Thursday from the NBA and the players union, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding both players. The league stated: "The NBA and NBPA agreed that, taking into account the totality of the circumstances for Cunningham and Dončić, each player qualified for awards under the extraordinary circumstances provision in the CBA." In contrast, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves had his appeal denied by an independent arbitrator and will not qualify for awards. Edwards participated in 61 games, but only 60 counted toward the threshold. Dončić played 64 games, missing five due to a hamstring injury and two for the birth of his daughter. Cunningham also appeared in 64 games, with 63 counting toward eligibility due to a collapsed lung that forced him to miss significant time. Although neither player is favored to win the MVP, both are expected to finish in the top five, which holds historical significance. Dončić aims for his sixth All-NBA First Team selection in eight seasons, while Cunningham seeks his first. Despite this positive news, Dončić's playoff status remains uncertain as he continues treatment for his hamstring in Spain. Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that Dončić and Austin Reaves (oblique) are both "out indefinitely." The Lakers will face the Houston Rockets in their first-round series starting Saturday, with potential breaks between games that could allow for player returns. Meanwhile, the Pistons secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with 60 wins, marking their first such achievement since 2006, despite Cunningham's earlier absence. He returned to action on April 8 and will be ready for their playoff opener on Sunday.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-16