Why NBA stars are sitting out more often, and what it means for the end-of-season awards
The NBA's latest collective bargaining agreement has sparked controversy among stars, who are now questioning a rule that could impact their eligibility for end-of-season awards. Two years after the agreement was signed, the 65-game requirement for these awards is proving to be a challenge for many players, with a surge of early-season injuries putting them at risk of missing out.
Players like Tyrese Haliburton have openly criticized this rule, calling it 'stupid' after a practice session. The NBA Players Association is expected to push for a reduction in this threshold during the next CBA negotiations, which will take place after the 2029-30 season. This rule, introduced in 2023, aims to boost competitiveness during the regular season, but it's now facing scrutiny.
NBA stars, defined as players who made the All-Star Game or an All-NBA team in the previous three seasons, have already missed 74% of games this season. This early trend is concerning, with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James, and others missing significant time due to injuries. Meanwhile, players like Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and Damian Lillard are yet to play this season due to injuries.
Dr. Brian Schulz, an orthopedic surgeon, suggests that teams are being cautious with their stars, which could be a factor in the increased injuries. The league's new threshold, which requires players to appear in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for end-of-season awards, is now under the microscope. Missing more than 17 games can render a player ineligible for prestigious awards like Most Valuable Player, All-NBA Teams, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Defensive Team selections.
Antetokounmpo, Wembanyama, and James are at risk of missing this threshold, with James facing the possibility of being left off the All-NBA Team for the first time since his rookie season. The league's study on player injuries revealed a concerning trend: star players in the 1980s and 1990s missed around 10 games per season, while this decade's stars are averaging 23.9 games missed. Despite the new threshold's intention to improve competitiveness, the early season injuries suggest it may need adjustment.
The NBA's commissioner, Adam Silver, defended the rule, stating that it was negotiated with the players' association to ensure a highly competitive regular season. However, the current season has shown the flip side of this coin, with a rash of injuries, particularly calf and hamstring issues, across the league. Warriors coach Steve Kerr's training staff believes the wear and tear, speed, and number of games are contributing to these injuries.
Schulz agrees, attributing the increased injuries to players' quicker and stronger physiques, which can lead to more soft-tissue injuries. The long season, travel, and faster pace of the game are taking a toll, and players' training methods have evolved, making them leaner and faster.
As the season progresses, the focus will be on how the league's stars stay healthy enough to meet the 65-game threshold. The early signs are not promising, and the future of this rule remains uncertain, with potential implications for the end-of-season awards and the league's overall competitiveness.
