Pistons' Cade Cunningham Conflicted About NBA's 65-Game Rule

Cunningham missed time due to injuries but respects the rule's intent to keep superstars playing.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:12pm

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An abstract, energetic painting depicting the blurred motion of a basketball player driving to the hoop, with vibrant neon colors and expressive brushstrokes capturing the raw athleticism of the moment.Cade Cunningham's return from injury injects a burst of energy into the Pistons' playoff push.Washington Today

Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham expressed mixed feelings about the NBA's 65-game rule, which may prevent him from being considered for postseason awards despite a strong season. Cunningham missed time due to a collapsed lung and other injuries, and while he understands the rule's purpose of keeping top players on the court, he is disappointed it could impact his award eligibility.

Why it matters

The 65-game rule is a new NBA policy aimed at ensuring marquee players participate in more regular season games, rather than resting. However, it has created challenges for players like Cunningham who miss time due to legitimate injuries. This highlights the ongoing debate around balancing player health, fan engagement, and award considerations.

The details

Cunningham returned from a collapsed lung to play in the Pistons' season finale, helping them defeat the Milwaukee Bucks. He acknowledged the 65-game rule's intent to keep superstars available for fans, but said it has put him in a 'tough spot' regarding his chances for postseason awards like All-NBA. Cunningham may apply for an 'extraordinary circumstances challenge' to be reconsidered for All-NBA despite falling short of the 65-game threshold.

  • Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung against the Washington Wizards on March 17.
  • The Pistons went 8-3 in Cunningham's absence.
  • Cunningham returned for the Pistons' season finale on April 9.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Detroit Pistons' All-Star point guard who has been a key leader in the team's strong 2025-26 season.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who effectively utilized the team's depth and defensive identity to maintain their winning ways during Cunningham's absence.

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What they’re saying

“I feel a lot of different ways about it. I think what they're trying to do with it is have superstars play and not sit out just to rest because fans pay a lot of money to come watch us play games. I have a lot of respect for that. The fans come to watch me play, and I want to make sure I'm available and I give them a show whenever they come out. In that way, I respect the rule. I think it's a good rule in that way.”

— Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Guard

“It's tough for me right now this year because I think I did a lot of work to be in consideration for awards and All-NBA and all that stuff. I'm in a tough spot, but I think it will all play out how it's supposed to play out, and I'm just trying to do my best to help my team win...I just keep doing my job day-by-day and whatever comes will come and whatever is meant to be will be.”

— Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons Guard

What’s next

Cunningham may apply for an 'extraordinary circumstances challenge' to be reconsidered for All-NBA despite falling short of the 65-game threshold due to his injuries.

The takeaway

The NBA's 65-game rule is intended to keep superstars on the court, but it has created challenges for players like Cade Cunningham who miss time due to legitimate injuries. This highlights the ongoing debate around balancing player health, fan engagement, and award considerations in professional sports.