NBA Announces Major Decision on Cade Cunningham
Cade Cunningham has been ruled eligible for NBA awards after leading the Detroit Pistons to the top seed in the East.
The NBA just made it official. Cade Cunningham’s historic season is still very much in play. Cade Cunningham ruled eligible for NBA awards In a joint decision between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, Cunningham has been ruled eligible for all major end-of-season awards for the 2025-26 campaign.
The ruling comes despite Cunningham falling short of the standard 65-game threshold after appearing in 63 games this season. Under normal circumstances, that would have disqualified him. This wasn’t a normal case.
Extraordinary circumstances made the difference Cunningham missed time earlier this year due to a serious medical issue, including a collapsed lung diagnosed in March. The league determined that his situation qualified under the “extraordinary circumstances” clause within the collective bargaining agreement. That designation allowed Cunningham to remain eligible for awards, despite not meeting the usual requirements.
It’s a significant development, especially given the season he put together. A season worthy of recognition Cunningham did more than just return from adversity. He led the Detroit Pistons to the No.