Doncic played 64 games, missing two to attend the birth of his daughter in Slovenia, while Cunningham played 63 games, sidelined for 12 due to a collapsed lung diagnosed on March 17. In a joint statement, the NBA and NBPA said they agreed that, taking into account the totality of the circumstances for Cunningham and Doncic, each player qualified for awards. Doncic expressed gratitude on social media, stating he was grateful to the NBPA for advocating on his behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision, and that it was important to him to be present for the birth of his daughter in December.
He also noted this season has been special to him because of what his teammates and he have been able to accomplish, and he is honored to have the opportunity to be considered for the league’s end-of-season awards. In contrast, Anthony Edwards sought eligibility via the extraordinary circumstances challenge but was denied by an independent arbitrator, though the specific criteria for 'extraordinary circumstances' and the reasons for Edwards' denial remain unclear. Other players like Victor Wembanyama reached the 65-game mark in the Spurs' penultimate game, and Nikola Jokic qualified on the final day of the regular season.
The NBA and NBPA agreed that, taking into account the totality of the circumstances for Cunningham and Doncic, each player qualified for awards.
Meanwhile, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry will be ineligible for major individual awards this season due to missing too many games. The NBA dispatched ballots to its panel of reporters after the decisions on Doncic, Cunningham, and Edwards were finalized, but it is unknown how many other players applied for eligibility under the extraordinary circumstances provision or what impact this decision will have on future applications of the 65-game rule.
Grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision.
It was important to me to be present for the birth of my daughter in December.
This season has been so special to me because of what my teammates and I have been able to accomplish, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for the league’s end-of-season awards.