Bill Simmons Proposes Logical Adjustment To NBA’s 65-Game Minimum Rule
Simmons has the right idea here.
Bill Simmons Proposes Logical Adjustment To NBA’s 65-Game Minimum Rule originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The NBA's 65-game minimum rule for award eligibility has come under fire this season.
With MVP-types like Cade Cunningham or Nikola Jokic having put in massive seasons but in danger of missing out on accolades, many people feel like the NBA should change the way it approaches the rule. The Ringer's Bill Simmons came up with a good idea in that regard. During a new episode of his podcast, Simmons proposed that sub-65-game players can remain eligible for postseason awards if they play 2,000 minutes.
Example A in Simmons' proposal is Tyrese Maxey, who is in danger of missing out on awards this season despite having played the third-most minutes in the entire league. Simmons also suggested that the 65-game minimum be dropped to 62 games. If Silver announced today that he’s changing the MVP/All-NBA minimum from 65 to 62 (20 games missed max), would anyone object?
Just admit you made the number too high and fix it on the fly. Cade missing out on All-NBA would be outrageous. — Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 19, 2026 "If (NBA commissioner Adam) Silver just said we've dropped it from 65 to 62, I don't think anybody would complain," Simmons said.