The NBA is inching closer to a new agreement that will set a threshold for games played in consideration for major awards, according to a recent report.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on Friday that the league and the National Basketball Players Association are nearing an agreement that would require players to appear in a minimum number of games to qualify for Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year honors.
The decision comes after a condensed 2020-21 season that saw numerous star players miss significant time with injuries and the coronavirus. This resulted in some controversy over who was eligible for awards, as some players had played far fewer games than others.
The proposed games-played threshold has yet to be revealed, but the goal of the new rule is to ensure that players can’t win major awards while missing too many games. This will help ensure a level playing field for all players and prevent any future controversies.
The idea of setting minimum games played for major awards is not new. In fact, the NBA used to have a similar rule in place several decades ago, but it was removed in 1969.
The NBA and NBPA are still finalizing the details of the new agreement, and it remains unclear if the games-played threshold will be in place for all awards or just the major ones. However, the move signals a recognition that the league needs to address the issue of players missing significant time due to injuries, which can affect the competitiveness of the league as a whole.
It is also worth noting that the new agreement is not just restricted to the games-played threshold for awards. Both the NBA and NBPA are also considering rule changes related to salary-cap thresholds, as well as increased fines for tampering and other league violations.
Overall, this news is a positive development for the NBA and its fans. By setting a games-played threshold for major awards, the league is working to ensure that the awards reflect the most deserving players, who have put in the time and effort throughout the season. With the new season set to begin in just a few months, fans can look forward to a fresh start and a more competitive, fairer league overall.
