Another asterisk in the illustrious career of Luka Doncic?
Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks’ star, will not meet the 65-game requirement set by the NBA to qualify for postseason awards in the 2024-2025 season. This could prevent him from contending for major accolades, including the MVP and All-NBA teams, despite his undeniable talent and standout performances.
The NBA instituted the 65-game threshold starting this season as part of its effort to limit “load management” and ensure star players are available for a larger portion of the season. The rule is aimed at encouraging teams to play their best players more regularly during the regular season. This means players who don’t appear in at least 65 games—roughly 80% of the schedule—are ineligible for MVP consideration, All-NBA selections, and other postseason honors.
For Dončić, this marks a significant hurdle in what has been an already illustrious career. Known for his incredible scoring ability, playmaking, and overall leadership, Dončić is often regarded as one of the most talented young players in the league. However, he has been plagued by injuries and has also dealt with various absences over the past few seasons.
As of mid-January 2025, Dončić has missed several games due to injury, including ankle and knee issues, and the risk of further missed time could keep him below the 65-game mark by the end of the regular season. This puts a damper on his chances of earning his first MVP award or an All-NBA spot, which would have further cemented his legacy as one of the NBA’s best.
The absence of Dončić from these major award races will undoubtedly add an asterisk to his career, despite his continued excellence on the court. The 24-year-old has already been named to multiple All-NBA teams and has firmly established himself as one of the faces of the league. Missing out on awards due to this new rule highlights the growing impact of player availability on postseason recognition.
Although Dončić’s team, the Dallas Mavericks, will continue to rely heavily on him for success, his pursuit of individual accolades may be hampered by the strict 65-game requirement. The question now is whether this rule will affect other star players in the future or force adjustments to how teams manage player health over the course of an 82-game season. Dončić’s case serves as a significant reminder of the changing dynamics within the league.
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Luka Dončić Falls Short of 65-Game Requirement for Postseason Awards
