Cunningham Could Become the Only MVP Candidate? 65-Game Rule Sparks Debate

This season, the NBA’s 65-game minimum rule is reshaping the MVP race. According to analyst Tom Haberstroh, the top five MVP candidates’ remaining allowable missed games are: Alexander 6, Doncic 5, Wembanyama 4, Jokic 1, and Cunningham 11. He is the only player likely to meet the 65-game threshold, making him the only eligible MVP candidate under the rule.

Supporters argue Cunningham’s MVP candidacy is legitimate. He has led the Pistons to exceed expectations, outpacing the Thunder, while averaging 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.5 steals, with 45.5% shooting and 33.4% from three. His performance warrants MVP consideration and makes him the first Pistons player in history to claim the award.

Critics, however, lament the ineligibility of other stars. Alexander, Doncic, Wembanyama, and Jokic have played at elite levels all season but are barred from awards due to the 65-game rule. This raises questions of fairness: Cunningham could win the MVP “by default,” rather than in direct competition with these superstar peers. Some absences are due to injury management or team rest strategies, not underperformance.

The 65-game rule was meant to prevent excessive rest, but it may force players to play through injuries or allow durable young stars to emerge. Cunningham’s potential MVP highlights the rule’s paradox—will the season really end this way? The debate is far from settled.