The NBA’s 65-game rule is receiving severe backlash this season, and much of it is because of Cade Cunningham’s case. The Boston Celtics legend, Kevin Garnett, became the latest addition to the list of critics of this rule.

Cunningham has played 61 games through the season, but after suffering a collapsed lung, he might not fulfill the 65-game mark required to stay in the race for major awards, including the MVP. A recent Instagram post from KG: Certified displayed Garnett deriding the rule since it could sideline Cunningham from the awards run despite his remarkable performance.  

“Something needs to go into the rules to make sure that we account for the work that someone has put in,” seemingly livid, Garnett said. “You know, he didn't give himself a collapsed lung. He got hurt on the job. He comes out every night. And he is one of the more consistent stars that we have in our league. So much that he has the f****** Detroit Pistons number one."

The 49-year-old continued, “Yeah, they do have a good team. He's not the only good player on there. But he is the head of the snake.”

Cunningham was having a stellar season, leading his team in points and assists categories. The Pistons star was also one of the running candidates for the MVP award this season, as well as an All-NBA First Team selection. But under the purview of the rule, he will be disqualified if he doesn’t play four of the Pistons’ remaining nine games of the season.

“They're going to have to do something about this, man,” Garnett added. “Because this is not going to be the first time a guy goes this great and then boom, he's hit by a f****** injury. And now he's out because he had 50 games that he was great. And he didn't get to finish the other 20."

“So what? He ain't great because he didn't get to do 82 of it? You can't discount what he did and what he not actually put into it. That's all I'm saying. But that's what that rule does. It really discounts what you've done. I hate that rule.”

And Garnett is far from being the only one standing against this rule.

NBPA speaks against NBA's 65-game rule amid controversy

The NBPA started demanding a change in the 65-game rule in light of Cade Cunningham’s unfortunate stance. The league’s players' association also released an official statement, citing Cunningham’s situation.

The highlighted that several players will or might miss the All-NBA honors and awards due to the given rule. LeBron James will miss the All-NBA Team selection for the first time in 22 years.

Steph Curry was also having a great season, but now that he has missed games, he won’t be eligible for the special honors. Similarly, stars like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are only a few games shy of missing the NBA honors.

The rule certainly looks a bit tyrannical, especially in cases like Cunningham's, so the backlash against it is quite understandable.

What are your thoughts? Would you like to side with the ones opposing it, or do you view it as a legitimate one?

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Souvik Roy