Joel Embiid's Meniscus
Is the NBA’s 65-game rule good for the league?
The Context: After missing two straight games due to “left knee soreness,” MVP candidate Joel Embiid elected to play through the pain during a Tuesday night road loss to the Golden State Warriors. Late in the fourth, Embiid further injured the same knee after Jonathan Kuminga dove for a loose ball, inadvertently landing on the reigning MVP’s legs. As a result, Embiid should be out for 6-8 weeks.
Embiid’s decision to play is widely perceived as being influenced by the NBA's new “65-game” rule. According to the new rule, players must play 20 minutes in at least 65 games to be eligible for regular-season awards, including MVP and All-NBA selections.
With many NBA contracts incorporating incentives for players who receive regular season honors, players like Tyrese Haliburton voiced their displeasure. His frustration is underscored by significant financial stakes, as missing just four more games could cost him over $40 million. Echoing the sentiment, Draymond Green didn’t mince words, calling the rule “bullsh--” on The Draymond Green Show.
The Verdict: Yes, the rule is great for the NBA.
While many view this discussion as a players vs. owners conflict, I see it as a fan issue. Unlike the NFL and MLB, where the teams and traditions make the sport, the NBA is a star-dependent product. Fans only tune in for marquee matchups between the Lebrons and Currys of the league.
With the price of NBA tickets becoming ridiculous, particularly in cities like LA, New York, Boston, and San Francisco, the 65-game incentive is justified. If fans invest their hard-earned money just to see a superstar in action, players shouldn’t regularly miss action for minor injuries or simple rest.
Beyond that, the fewest number of games played by an MVP in an 82-game season is 58, a record set by Bill Walton in 1978. Embiid won it last year with just 66 games, the lowest mark since 1999. Thus, the 65-game threshold for an MVP or All-NBA selection aligns with historical norms.
It’s also worth noting that voters have traditionally taken games played into account when casting their ballots in previous years.
Overall, this is one of the few rules I think the Adam Silver regime has got right in the past few years.
