What's Happening?
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have ruled that Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham are eligible for MVP and other postseason awards despite not meeting the usual 65-game threshold. This decision was made under the 'extraordinary
circumstances' provision in the collective bargaining agreement. Doncic played 64 games before a hamstring injury ended his season, missing two games due to the birth of his daughter. Cunningham played 63 games, missing several due to a collapsed lung. Both players were initially set to challenge their ineligibility, but the league and union preemptively agreed they met the criteria for extraordinary circumstances.
Why It's Important?
This ruling has significant implications for both players and their respective teams. For Cunningham, being eligible for postseason awards could lead to a super-max contract extension, increasing his salary cap percentage from 30% to 35% if he makes an All-NBA team in the future. Doncic, who led the league in scoring, remains a key player for the Lakers, and his eligibility for awards underscores his impact on the team. The decision also highlights the flexibility of the NBA's award eligibility criteria, potentially setting a precedent for future cases where players miss games due to personal or health-related issues.
What's Next?
With the ruling in place, both Doncic and Cunningham are expected to feature prominently in MVP discussions and other award considerations. Their performances have been pivotal for their teams, with Cunningham leading the Pistons to the No. 1 seed in the East and Doncic being a scoring leader for the Lakers. The decision may prompt other players in similar situations to seek extraordinary circumstance considerations in the future, potentially influencing how the NBA handles award eligibility.
