NBA Legend Argues Luka Dončić Should Get Games Back for Daughter's Birth

Tracy McGrady insists Dončić's missed games due to family leave should not count against his MVP eligibility.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:09am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NBA legend Tracy McGrady believes Luka Dončić should be granted an exception to the league's 65-game eligibility rule for the MVP award due to the two games he missed earlier this season to travel to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter. McGrady argues these absences should not count against Dončić, who currently leads the league in scoring but is one game shy of the threshold.

Why it matters

Dončić's MVP candidacy is in jeopardy due to the 65-game rule, which has already eliminated several other top players from contention this season. If granted the exception, Dončić would regain eligibility and remain in the running for the highly competitive award.

The details

Dončić missed two games in early December to travel to Slovenia for the birth of his second child, Olivia. McGrady believes these absences should not count against Dončić's eligibility, as they were for a family event and not due to injury or load management. Dončić also missed one game earlier this season due to a suspension, which further complicated his path to 65 games played. If the arbitrator rules in Dončić's favor on the 'extraordinary circumstances grievance', the two games missed for his daughter's birth would be counted toward his total, pushing him to 66 appearances and restoring his eligibility for MVP and All-NBA consideration.

  • Dončić missed two games in early December for the birth of his second daughter.
  • Dončić missed one game earlier this season due to a suspension.

The players

Luka Dončić

The Dallas Mavericks star who leads the NBA in scoring this season at 33.5 points per game.

Tracy McGrady

NBA legend and analyst who believes Dončić should be granted an exception to the 65-game eligibility rule.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think he's eligible for that. He should be able to get those two games back. It's the birth of his child. This is not an injury, this is not load management... I'm sure the league is gonna do right by that.”

— Tracy McGrady, NBA Legend

What’s next

If Dončić files an 'extraordinary circumstances grievance', an arbitrator will hear the case after the regular season and rule on whether the two games missed for his daughter's birth should count toward his eligibility.

The takeaway

The 65-game eligibility rule has already eliminated several top MVP candidates this season, and Dončić's case highlights the potential for unfair outcomes when players miss games for personal reasons beyond their control. The league's decision on Dončić's grievance could set an important precedent going forward.