What is the NBA’s controversial “65 game rule” and how does it impact players?

The “65-game rule” is part of the NBA’s Player Participation Policy, introduced in the 2023-2024 season, which requires players to participate in a minimum number of games to be eligible for awards and other recognition.

It’s meant to discourage franchises from “load management” athletes, which is where teams rest star players to avoid injuries and keep them in contention for the playoffs.

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At the time of its introduction, the NBA said the policy means teams must “refrain from any long-term ‘shutdown’ in which a star player stops playing” and also “ensure that star players are available for all nationally televised games and NBA In-Season Tournaments.”

If teams break the policy they could be fined unless they can provide evidence that players are being rested for injuries or personal reasons, but the rule will still affect players’ eligibility for team awards and selections.

A regular season in the NBA consists of 82 games, and to be eligible for awards such as Most Valuable Player (MVP) or the All-NBA teams, players must compete in at least 65 of them.

How does this affect Nikola Jovic?

Three-time season MVP winner Nikola Jokic has been a standout performer for the Denver Nuggets this season, currently leading the NBA in rebounds and assists and averaging 30 points per game.

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On December 25, 2025, during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he became the first player in NBA history to score at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists, in a triple-double breaking a record set by Steph Curry.

He also scored 21 points and dished out eight assists before suffering a knee injury in the Nuggets’ 147-123 loss to the Miami Heat — an injury that now casts doubt on his chances of becoming a fourth-season MVP.

Initial results from a medical scan show Jovic is expected to miss at least four weeks of play, practicing for about 16 games, which would leave his eligibility to be considered for the MVP award and fringe All-NBA teams, as players can only miss 17 games to be included.

However, there is a possibility that when the knee is re-examined, the extent of the injury may be worse than initially diagnosed. If this were the case, Jovic may not reach the threshold of games played for selection and will lose the trophy.

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What was the reaction to the rule?

Basketball journalist Grant Afseth told BBC Sport that “a hard limit seems too harsh” when it comes to missed games.

“That’s why you did it [award] voters first – to apply context and judgment.

“Availability should absolutely be important, but it shouldn’t erase everything else.

“If someone is clearly the most impactful player on the games they played and doesn’t reach a predetermined number, voters should be trusted to decide whether that impact was enough to win an award.”

Many basketball fans have taken to social media to express their frustration with the rule and the impact it is having on players.

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Several sports media outlets have also called for the rule to be abolished, and former professional Kenyon Martin has also said it should be abolished as it is impacting the “legacy” of players.

But some NBA professionals have already expressed support for the rule, with Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone saying in 2023 it’s a “way to get the best players playing.”

“We want people to tune in to their TV and watch,” Malone said.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport Ask me anything squad.

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