Why NBA stars are sitting out more often, and what it means for the season's end-of-year awards
Two years after the NBA's latest collective bargaining agreement reshaped the salary cap system, limiting non-superstar spending, stars are now criticizing another provision: the 65-game requirement for end-of-season awards. This rule is causing concern as many stars risk missing it due to a surge in early-season injuries. Players, including Tyrese Haliburton, have expressed their dislike for this threshold, with Haliburton calling it 'stupid' in January 2024. The NBA Players Association plans to push for a reduction in this threshold in the next CBA, which will be negotiated after the 2029-30 season.
NBA stars, defined by the league as players who made an All-Star Game or an All-NBA team in the previous three seasons, have already missed 74% of games this season. This trend is concerning, with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Darius Garland, Ja Morant, Jalen Williams, and Zion Williamson missing significant time. Meanwhile, Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and Damian Lillard have yet to play this season due to injuries.
Dr. Brian Schulz, an orthopedic surgeon working with the Anaheim Ducks, suggests that a combination of factors, including cautious team management and the physical demands of the sport, may contribute to the high injury rate. The 65-game requirement for end-of-season awards adds to the challenge, as missing more than 17 games can render a player ineligible for several prestigious awards.
The NBA introduced this threshold in 2023 to boost competitiveness during the regular season. However, the league's own data reveals a concerning trend: star players in the 1980s and 1990s missed an average of around 10 games per season, rising to 13.9 games in the 2000s, 17.5 games in the 2010s, and a staggering 23.9 games this decade. Despite the new rule, the injury rate remains high, raising questions about its effectiveness.
The NBA's new threshold seemed to work initially, as star players appeared in 81% of regular-season games last season, up from 79% in 2022 and 76% in 2021. However, this season has shown the flip side of the coin, with a surge in injuries, particularly calf and hamstring issues, across the league. Warriors coach Steve Kerr attributes the injuries to the wear and tear, speed, and number of games played.
Schulz agrees, noting that players' increased speed and strength can lead to more soft-tissue injuries. He also highlights the toll of the long season, travel, and the faster, more physical pace of the game, especially in the playoffs. The training methods of modern players, who need to be leaner due to the faster game, may also contribute to the higher injury rate.
The 65-game rule's impact on the league's product and awards may depend on the stars' ability to stay healthy. With players receiving financial incentives for awards and All-NBA selections, many may push to play enough games to qualify. However, the balance between proper rest and the incentives for playing is a delicate one, and it remains to be seen if the rule will ultimately benefit or undermine the league's competitiveness.
