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Category: Basketball

  • Gilas Pilipinas names Men’s, Women’s rosters for FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

    Gilas Pilipinas names Men’s, Women’s rosters for FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

    Even with the PBA taking a brief pause for Holy Week, a different kind of national duty is about to take center stage.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas has officially named its men’s and women’s rosters for the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, with both squads set to carry the country’s hopes in Singapore as they try to improve on last year’s finish and make a stronger push on the continental stage.

     

    On the men’s side, the Philippines is banking on a group that blends pro-level shotmaking, backcourt creativity, and proven 3×3 familiarity. The quartet is made up of Ralph Cu of Barangay Ginebra, Chris Koon of Magnolia, Jerrick Ahanmisi of Terrafirma, and University of the Philippines big man Sean Alter.

     

    It is a roster that feels deliberately built for the unique demands of 3×3 basketball — fast decisions, open-floor versatility, and the ability to score in bursts. More importantly, all four players already have backgrounds in the format, giving the team a layer of chemistry and instinct that could matter in a compressed international tournament.

     

    Cu brings championship pedigree and familiarity with pressure situations, while Koon adds length and two-way activity from the perimeter. Ahanmisi, meanwhile, arrives as arguably the most explosive offensive weapon in the group, capable of changing games quickly with his shooting and shot creation.

     

    Alter gives the team a different look altogether. At 6-foot-9, the UP standout provides size, rebounding, and interior presence — an especially valuable piece in 3×3, where physicality and quick finishes around the basket often swing close contests.

     

    The men’s squad will be handled by coaches Kirk Collier and Patrick Fran, with the Philippines opening in Qualifying Draw A alongside Maldives and Thailand on April 2. If Gilas advances, it will move into Pool A with Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, both of which are already seeded directly into the main draw.

     

    That means the challenge for the men will begin immediately. There will be little room for slow starts, especially in a format where momentum can swing in a matter of possessions and one cold stretch can end a campaign early.

     

    Still, the roster signals a clear intent from the program: this is not just a participation group. It is a team designed to compete, score, and potentially surprise.

     

    The women’s side, however, may be carrying even more intrigue.

     

    Seeded fifth entering the tournament, Gilas Women will field a lineup of Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Kacey Dela Rosa, and Cheska Apag — a group that brings together experience, youth, and a growing track record in international 3×3 play. The Philippines is already slotted into Pool D, where it will await the winner of Qualifying Draw D featuring Tonga, Macau, and Maldives, with Australia also seeded in the same group.

     

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    What makes this women’s roster especially compelling is how well its pieces complement one another.

     

    Bernardino remains one of the pillars of Philippine women’s 3×3 basketball, bringing toughness, leadership, and a long history of delivering in FIBA competitions. Cacho adds speed, shotmaking, and familiarity with the international pace of play, while Dela Rosa gives the team length and inside presence that can be difficult for smaller lineups to handle.

     

    Then there is Apag, one of the younger names in the squad but already part of a rising wave in the women’s 3×3 program. Her inclusion reflects the steady pipeline the Philippines has been trying to build — not just for this event, but for the future of the format.

     

    That youth movement has already shown signs of promise. Dela Rosa and Apag were both part of the Philippines’ successful FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Asia-Pacific 1 campaign in Doha, where the women’s program booked a place in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup. The team’s rise also helped push Gilas Women to a historic No. 14 in the world rankings, the highest ever for a Philippine 3×3 national team.

     

    That momentum makes this latest tournament feel bigger than just another Asia Cup appearance.

     

    Last year, Gilas Men finished 15th, while Gilas Women came agonizingly close to the podium before ending up fourth. Those results offered two different realities: one side still searching for a deeper breakthrough, and the other already proving it can contend with some of the best in the region.

     

    Now, both teams return with something to chase.

     

    For the men, it is about proving they can translate talent and pedigree into results in one of basketball’s most unforgiving formats. For the women, it is about taking another step in a program that has steadily become one of the country’s most promising international projects.

     

    And for Gilas as a whole, the message is clear. Even during a league break, national basketball never really stops.

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano takes cautious road to recovery as injury stalls strong start

    Juan Gomez de Liano takes cautious road to recovery as injury stalls strong start

    For Juan Gomez de Liano, the challenge right now isn’t about putting up numbers—it’s about knowing when to stop.

     

    After a promising start with the Converge FiberXers, the guard remains sidelined for the second straight game due to a bone contusion in his right knee—an injury that has proven more persistent than expected. 

     

    In his absence, Converge absorbed a narrow 103-99 defeat to the San Miguel Beermen, sliding to a 1-3 record in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Gomez de Liano traced the injury back to their March 14 outing against the Terrafirma Dyip, where Converge fell 111-100 in overtime. 

     

    Despite taking a knee-to-knee hit during that game, he pushed through and finished the contest before feeling the full effects afterward.

     

    “Knee to knee siya. Malakas ang impact. Adrenaline lahat kaya I played the rest of the game (against Terrafirma). After the game, I was so sore,” said Gomez de Liano.

     

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    Initially expecting a quick return, the 24-year-old admitted recovery has taken longer than anticipated, forcing him to take a more careful approach.

     

    “Bone contusion against Terrafirma. It’s going to take awhile to heal. I thought I will be back in a week. But there is still pain in certain movements so I’m not rushing it,” he said.

     

    While medical timelines suggest bone contusions can heal in at least two weeks depending on severity, Gomez de Liano emphasized that his case is not serious—but still requires patience.

    “It’s not a major (injury) but it will take awhile to heal,” said Gomez de Liano.

     

    With no clear timetable for his return, his availability for upcoming games—including a potential matchup against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel—remains uncertain. 

     

    That matchup carries added weight, given his standout performance against Ginebra in the previous conference where he averaged 27.5 points in their quarterfinal series.

     

    For now, Gomez de Liano is choosing caution over urgency, prioritizing full recovery as Converge navigates a challenging stretch without one of its key playmakers.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi shines for Terrafirma despite defeat, secures spot on Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 roster

    Jerrick Ahanmisi shines for Terrafirma despite defeat, secures spot on Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 roster

    For Jerrick Ahanmisi, individual brilliance can shine even in defeat. The 28-year-old guard poured in a career-high 37 points, with two rebounds and four assists, for Terrafirma Dyip in their 105-133 loss to Phoenix. 


    Despite the setback, Ahanmisi continues to prove his value on the court, even as Terrafirma drops to a 3-1 record.

     

    “I’m just trying to take things one game at a time. I’m trying to be consistent with my work, be disciplined with my family and try to focus on the two most important things which is my family and basketball,” he said.

     

    The Terrafirma star has more reason to celebrate as he has earned his first call-up to the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 for the FIBA Asia Cup 2026 in Singapore, joining a squad tasked with securing the country’s first medal in the continental tournament.

     

    “I just thought it’s a special opportunity because not very many people get the chance to play for Gilas. So as soon as they ask me to come, I was ready to go and I was ready for the opportunity,” said the 10th overall pick of Season 46.

     

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    He’s brimming with pride, especially sharing the moment with his brother Maverick, as both can now proudly wear the Gilas banner as the older Ahanmisi have previously represented the country at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

     

     “I feel like for both of us, we’ve always wanted to etch our names in history. It’s just gonna be another achievement on both of our lists, and hopefully it just keeps going up and up and up,” the Fil-Nigerian player said.

     

    Ahanmisi’s rise comes on the heels of a historic moment at the PBA’s 33rd All-Star Weekend in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, where he became the first player to win two Skills Challenge championships in a single night.

     

    The 28-year-old will share the Gilas 3×3 spotlight with Ginebra sharpshooter Ralph Cu, Magnolia rookie Chris Koon, and Sean Alter from the University of the Philippines.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 will face Maldives and Thailand in the qualifying draw on April 2. If they advance, the Philippines could face 3×3 powerhouses Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, giving Ahanmisi a stage to translate individual brilliance into international success.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee eyes dream backcourt as Jordan Clarkson weighs Gilas return

    Justin Brownlee eyes dream backcourt as Jordan Clarkson weighs Gilas return

    The idea alone feels like a glimpse into what could be Philippine basketball’s next great chapter.

     

    As Gilas Pilipinas looks ahead to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, the conversation is no longer just about defending a gold medal—it’s about raising the ceiling. And at the center of that possibility is the potential pairing of two of the program’s most impactful figures: Justin Brownlee 

    and Jordan Clarkson.

     

    For Brownlee, the thought isn’t hypothetical—it’s something he’s already embraced.

     

    “Man, I think that’s great,” Brownlee said. “He’s obviously an incredible talent. He’s an NBA veteran. That’s something that can help the team tremendously.”

     

    Clarkson’s recent openness to returning to the national team has shifted the tone around Gilas’ future. His presence wouldn’t just add firepower—it would reshape how the Philippines stacks up against Asia’s elite.

     

    Brownlee knows exactly what that kind of player brings.

     

    “A one of a kind talent like him is hard to find,” he said. “I wish and hope it goes through. That would be great not only for the team, but for the country as well.”

     

    But this isn’t simply about assembling stars. It’s about timing, chemistry, and purpose.

     

    Gilas is still riding the momentum of its breakthrough gold medal run in Hangzhou, a victory that reestablished belief in the program. Yet within that success lies a bigger ambition—to prove that the Philippines can consistently compete, not just in Asia, but on the global stage.

     

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    That’s where the Brownlee-Clarkson tandem becomes more than just intriguing—it becomes strategic.

     

    Clarkson offers the kind of offensive dynamism that can tilt games instantly. Brownlee, on the other hand, has long been the steady force behind Gilas’ biggest wins, blending leadership with a knack for delivering in pressure moments. Together, they represent a balance of explosiveness and control—a combination few teams in the region can match.

     

    If it comes together, the pairing wouldn’t just strengthen the roster. It would redefine expectations.

     

    For now, it remains an idea—one that lives in conversations, in plans, and in the imagination of fans. But as momentum builds and decisions draw closer, that idea is starting to feel less like a dream and more like a direction.

     

    And if it materializes, Gilas Pilipinas won’t just be aiming to win again. It could be building something far more lasting.

     

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  • Marcus Lee delivers on promise as San Miguel nabs first win 

    Marcus Lee delivers on promise as San Miguel nabs first win 

    Before San Miguel Beer finally found its footing in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, there was first a conversation — one that may have changed the course of its early campaign.


    Coming off a disappointing debut, Marcus Lee did not wait for coaches to call him out or teammates to challenge him. Instead, he approached the San Miguel staff himself, owning up to a performance he knew was not close to the standard expected of him.

     

    That moment, according to head coach Leo Austria, mattered.

     

    “After the last game, he approached Coach Gee and me. He told us na, ‘Coach, next game, what happened last game will never happen again.’ That’s what he promised to us,” Austria said after their 103-99 win over Converge on Wednesday at the Ynares Center.

     

    For San Miguel, the victory was important because it was their first of the conference. For Lee, it was important because it was his response.

     

    In his first appearance for the Beermen, Lee looked out of sync and largely ineffective, managing just four points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in nearly 25 minutes during San Miguel’s stunning loss to Titan Ultra. It was the kind of opening that immediately invited questions, especially for a team trying to establish rhythm early in the tournament.

     

    This time, though, Lee played with a far different edge.

     

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    He may not have exploded offensively, but his impact was felt in the areas San Miguel badly needed. The American big man finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, while also recording all three of the Beermen’s blocks in an all-around outing that steadied the team on both ends of the floor.

    More than the numbers, however, it was the manner of his contribution that stood out.

    Rather than trying to force a scoring breakout, Lee leaned into the details—protecting the rim, moving the ball, and making himself useful in possessions that did not always end with him. It was a quieter kind of influence, but one that gave San Miguel structure in a game where every possession mattered.

    Austria, for one, appreciated exactly that.

    “He’s still adjusting to the kind of game we have. Medyo nawawala pa rin siya. But I’m so happy doon sa kanyang ginawang defense tonight,” he lauded.

    That trust became even more evident late in the contest.

    After being left on the bench for the entire fourth quarter in San Miguel’s previous loss—when the Beermen opted to close with an all-Filipino unit—Lee was instead part of the finishing group this time around. It was a subtle but meaningful shift, one that reflected how much more comfortable the coaching staff had become with him in pressure moments.

    And while his defense drew praise, Austria also pointed to another area that gave the Beermen a lift: Lee’s willingness to create for others.

    “Almost triple-double siya doon sa kanyang scoring. Double figures sa rebounds and in scoring, and six assists,” he said.

     

    That playmaking dimension added another layer to Lee’s game, one Austria joked could become even more valuable moving forward.

    “Pwede nga naming gawaing point guard,” he added in jest, “kasi he could bring the ball, there are a lot of players na pine-pressure yung point guard namin.”

    It was said with humor, but the point underneath was real.

    San Miguel does not necessarily need Lee to be its top scorer every night. What it needs is reliability—someone who can stabilize possessions, defend with consistency, and complement the firepower already around him. In that sense, Wednesday may have offered a more useful glimpse of what Lee can be for the Beermen than any scoring explosion would have.

    For now, one bounce-back game does not erase all uncertainty. Lee is still adjusting, and San Miguel is still searching for its best form in a conference that rarely allows teams much time to settle.

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  • Magnolia part ways with Nuni Omot, taps in Clint Chapman as replacement

    Magnolia part ways with Nuni Omot, taps in Clint Chapman as replacement

    The early stretch of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup has taken an unexpected turn for the Magnolia Hotshots, as the winless squad makes a bold roster move in search of a breakthrough.

     

    Still searching for their first win, Magnolia didn’t wait for the standings to bury them deeper. Instead, they made a decisive shift, one that signals urgency more than anything else. 

     

    Despite strong individual performances, the team has chosen to part ways with import Nuni Omot and bring in reinforcement Clint Chapman.

     

    In what turned out to be his final game in a Magnolia jersey, Omot delivered a near-complete performance, 38 points on 15-of-22 shooting, along with seven rebounds and nine assists. Across his stint, he averaged 32.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while shooting an impressive 43.8 percent from beyond the arc. 

     

    Even head coach LA Tenorio acknowledged as much after their latest setback, a 97-91 loss to Robert Upshaw III and the Blackwater Bossing at the Ynares Center, “is not all about the import.”

     

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    Still, results ultimately dictate decisions and with Magnolia stuck in a losing skid, the team opted for a different kind of presence on the court.

     

    Chapman, a 6-foot-10 big man with a decade-long professional journey that has taken him across Europe and Asia. Fresh from a stint with Antonine in Lebanon’s DLBL, he brings with him averages of 17.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and solid defensive numbers. 

     

    Chapman has already arrived in Manila and joined team practices, wasting no time integrating into Magnolia’s system. His expected debut comes quickly, with the Hotshots set to face winless Macau at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on March 28.

     

    For Magnolia, the import change is less about replacing production and more about reshaping the team’s identity. Omot carried the scoring load, but basketball games aren’t won on numbers alone. 

     

    The Hotshots are betting that Chapman’s presence can unlock a different rhythm, one that translates into wins.

     

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  • Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    Ricci Rivero fires career-best 40 points in win over streaking Terrafirma 

    For three games, Terrafirma had looked like one of the early surprises of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    On Wednesday night at the Ynares Center, however, Phoenix made sure that unbeaten run came to a crashing halt — and Ricci Rivero made sure everyone knew exactly who was in charge.

     

    Rivero delivered the finest scoring night of his PBA career, pouring in 40 points in a dazzling all-around performance that fueled the Fuel Masters to a 133-105 demolition of the Dyip. It wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a statement win for a Phoenix squad trying to establish itself as a legitimate playoff threat.

     

    From the opening half alone, Rivero had already seized control of the game.

     

    He dropped 21 points before halftime, setting the tone for a relentless Phoenix attack that blew the game open in the second quarter. 

     

    By the time the Fuel Masters finished their surge, they had turned what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided showcase of firepower.

     

    Rivero did the damage from everywhere — knocking down seven triples, attacking in transition, and creating for others whenever Terrafirma tried to send extra attention his way. He also finished with six rebounds and eight assists in a complete performance that showed both confidence and command.

     

    The outburst couldn’t have come at a better time for Phoenix, which was looking to respond after absorbing a 93-86 loss to Meralco in its previous outing. Instead of lingering on that setback, the Fuel Masters answered with their most explosive showing yet.

     

    Coach Charles Tiu made it clear the result meant more than just one big night.

     

    “We’re just trying to rack up some wins,” said the young mentor. “Kasi ang goal lang naman namin, first and foremost, is to try to make a playoff push. We know naman that the Phoenix franchise has been hungry for a playoff berth.”

     

    Phoenix certainly played like a team with urgency.

     

    While Rivero stole the spotlight, he had plenty of support. Ef Escandor added 20 points, doing much of his work in the fourth quarter to keep the pressure on as the Fuel Masters buried any hopes of a Terrafirma comeback. Import James Dickey III supplied a steady interior presence with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while also stuffing the stat sheet with three assists, three steals, and a block.

     

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    Evan Nelle chipped in 14 points, and veteran big man Prince Caperal contributed 11, as Phoenix spread the floor and punished Terrafirma with wave after wave of offense.

     

    By the final buzzer, the numbers painted the picture of just how sharp the Fuel Masters had been. Phoenix shot 52.8 percent from the field and drilled 19 three-pointers, a shooting display that left the Dyip chasing shadows for most of the night. The Fuel Masters even erupted for 40 points in the third quarter, turning the game into a full-scale rout.

     

    ‘The shooting was good. I wish we could shoot like this every game,” said Tiu.

     

    For Terrafirma, the loss served as a harsh reset after its dream start. Jerrick Ahanmisi did everything he could to keep the Dyip afloat, erupting for 37 points in a brave offensive effort. But outside of him, consistent scoring never arrived. Import Mubashar Ali was the only other player in double figures with 13 points, though he did haul down 17 rebounds while absorbing much of Phoenix’s defensive attention.

     

    The bigger concern for Terrafirma may be what lies ahead.After opening the conference with three straight wins, the Dyip now head into a far more unforgiving stretch, with Magnolia, TNT, and Rain or Shine waiting in their next three assignments. 

     

    Their early momentum has given them a cushion, but Wednesday’s blowout also exposed how much tougher life becomes once teams begin to zero in on them.

     

    As for Phoenix, the victory may prove to be more than just a tally in the win column.

     

    At 3-1, the Fuel Masters are now level with Terrafirma in the standings, but they carry the edge in confidence after a performance that showcased their offensive ceiling. More importantly, it offered a glimpse of what they can become when Rivero is at full throttle and the supporting cast follows.

     

    Phoenix will now have time to build on that momentum, with its next game not coming until April 5 against NLEX at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Steve Kerr confirms Stephen Curry will only suit up in Play-In tournament if fully healthy

    Steve Kerr confirms Stephen Curry will only suit up in Play-In tournament if fully healthy

    The Golden State Warriors have endured a rollercoaster season, falling short of the lofty expectations that have long accompanied the franchise. Currently sitting 10th in the Western Conference with a 34-38 record in the 2025-26 National Basketball Association season, the Warriors’ campaign has been marked by inconsistency and frustration.

     

    A major factor behind their struggles has been the prolonged absence of superstar Stephen Curry, who has not taken the court since January 30 due to patella-femoral pain syndrome and bone bruising in his knee. Golden State’s performance starkly contrasts depending on Curry’s availability: the Warriors are 23-16 when he plays but have dropped 11-22 in his absence—a testament to just how integral he remains to the team’s success.

     

    Steve Kerr, the team’s head coach, stressed that Curry will only return to action in the upcoming NBA play-in tournament if he is fully healthy and capable of performing at his usual elite level. Kerr emphasized the importance of balancing immediate playoff ambitions with long-term considerations for the veteran guard.

     

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    “We are not chasing a play-in berth. We are squarely in the play-in tournament, no matter what we do. The bottom line is that if Steph is healthy, he is going to play. It’s what we are here for. And the chance to get in the playoffs is a big deal for us. A big deal for Steph, at 38. We don’t know how many more chances there are, so you go for it. But if there is any risk whatsoever in terms of how it would impact next year, then he won’t play,” Kerr said in a media session.

    He further clarified, “Bottom line, if Steph is healthy, he is going to play. It’s pretty simple.”

     

    The franchise had initially hoped Curry would return to the lineup after the NBA All-Star Game, but the superstar guard is still recovering and has yet to resume full team practices. His absence has left the Warriors relying on a younger supporting cast, with Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, and Draymond Green shouldering much of the offensive and defensive load. While these players have had standout moments, Golden State has struggled to consistently close games and maintain leads without Curry on the floor.

     

    With the NBA play-in tournament looming, the Warriors are now faced with a delicate balancing act: giving Curry enough time to recover fully while ensuring the team is prepared to compete at a high level. A return by Curry could dramatically alter the team’s fortunes, offering a potential boost not only for their playoff positioning but also for the morale of a squad that has been tested by injuries and setbacks all season.

     

    For Golden State, the stakes could not be higher. At 38, Curry is acutely aware that opportunities to make a deep playoff run may be limited. The coming weeks will determine whether the Warriors can harness their veteran star’s talent to navigate the play-in tournament and make a meaningful push in the postseason, or whether they will enter the playoffs relying on a mostly Curry-less rotation—a scenario that would test the team’s depth and resilience to the fullest.

     

     

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  • No Holy Week break for Gilas 3×3 as nationals chase Asia Cup gains

    No Holy Week break for Gilas 3×3 as nationals chase Asia Cup gains

    Even with the PBA on pause for Holy Week, basketball remains in full swing for a select group of Filipino standouts tasked to represent the country in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 in Singapore.


    On the men’s side, Ralph Cu from Ginebra, Chris Koon from Magnolia, and Jerrick Ahanmisi from Terrafirma will suit up despite the PBA’s scheduled break, joined by University of the Philippines big man Sean Alter. 

     

    Instead of rest and recovery, the four national representatives shifts focus to the high-speed, high-pressure demands of 3×3 basketball.

     

    Their shared experience in the UAAP scene offers a foundation of chemistry, something that becomes even more valuable in a format where games are short, possessions are limited, and every decision matters. Gilas Men must first get through Qualifying Draw A against Maldives and Thailand to earn a spot in the main draw.

     

    If they advance, a tougher test awaits in Pool A against Mongolia and Chinese Taipei, two teams known for their physicality and discipline. 

     

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    The women’s team faces a similar situation. Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Kacey dela Rosa, and Cheska Apag enter the tournament as the fifth seed, carrying the confidence of last year’s fourth-place finish. Yet even with that momentum, there is little room to ease into competition.

     

    Awaiting them is a matchup against the winner of Qualifying Draw D, with powerhouse Australia already looming in Pool D. 

     

    Under coach Anton Altamirano, the team has focused on sharpening its quick-strike offense and defensive rotations—key elements in a format that rewards speed and precision.

     

    What makes this campaign stand out is the sacrifice behind it. While many spend Holy Week in reflection and rest, these athletes remain locked into preparation and competition. 

     

    At stake is more than just placement. For Gilas, the Asia Cup is a proving ground—not only to improve on last year’s results, where the men placed 15th and the women finished just outside the podium, but also to show that Philippine 3×3 basketball continues to grow despite challenges.

     

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  • NBPA calls for changes to NBA’s 65-game rule amid injury concerns

    NBPA calls for changes to NBA’s 65-game rule amid injury concerns

    The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is urging the National Basketball Association (NBA) to revisit its controversial 65-game rule, arguing that the policy has unfairly sidelined deserving players from end-of-season awards.

     

    The rule, introduced as part of the current collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players, requires individuals to appear in at least 65 regular-season games to qualify for major postseason honors. It was designed to discourage load management and ensure that the league’s biggest stars are available for the majority of the season.

     

    However, the NBPA now believes the rule is too rigid—particularly in cases involving legitimate injuries.

     

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    Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has become a central example in the debate. Despite putting together what many consider a career-defining campaign, Cunningham is at risk of falling short of the 65-game threshold after suffering a collapsed lung. He has appeared in 61 games so far and is expected to miss additional time.

     

    In a strongly worded statement, the NBPA criticized the policy:

    “Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule and yet another example of why it must be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries. Since its implementation, far too many deserving players have been unfairly disqualified from end-of-season honors by this arbitrary and overly rigid quota,” NBPA said in a statement.

     

    Cunningham’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the need for context when evaluating player eligibility:

     

    “Cade has delivered a first-team All-NBA season. If he falls just short of an arbitrary games-played threshold due to legitimate injury, it should not disqualify him from recognition he has clearly earned over the course of the season. The league should be rewarding excellence, not enforcing rigid cutoffs that ignore context. An exception needs to be made,” Cunningham’s agent Jeff Schwartz told ESPN.

     

    Cunningham is not alone. Several high-profile stars—including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry—have already been ruled ineligible for postseason awards due to the same requirement. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama are approaching the cutoff, placing their eligibility in jeopardy as well.

     

    Cleveland Cavaliers standout Donovan Mitchell acknowledged the intent behind the rule but admitted its unintended consequences:

     

    “It’s for the right reasons, but it’s tough. We get paid money to be out there, but there’s certain things you can’t control. It’s not like guys are resting and missing these games. These are legitimate injuries, so it’s something to look at for sure because there’s no way certain guys should be in this scenario,” Cleveland superstar Donovan Mitchell added.

     

    While the 65-game rule was implemented to preserve the integrity of the regular season, its application has sparked growing concern across the league. As injuries continue to impact even the game’s brightest stars, pressure is mounting on the NBA to introduce flexibility—balancing accountability with fairness—so that exceptional performance is not overshadowed by circumstances beyond a player’s control.

     

     

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