After winning their respective appeals, Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic (left) and Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham (right) are both eligible to receive major NBA awards at the end of this season.
In order to be eligible for the NBA, players must play at least 65 games in a regular season. Doncic and Cunningham both played 64 regular season games, which was initially below the NBA limit.
Why games are missed
Cunningham had to miss 12 games due to a lung collapse that required medical attention and recovery time.When evaluating their appeals, the NBA considered both cases valid.
Back to the award race
Doncic had a great scoring season. He finished with the league’s highest total of 2143 points. The Lakers were able to secure their place in the playoffs thanks to his performance.
Cunningham had an outstanding year as well. Cunningham was second with 634 total assists and was a major factor in the Pistons’ rise to the top in the Eastern Conference.
One appeal rejected
Some cases did not succeed. Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ star who played 60 matches but was denied an exemption.
