Anthony Edwards Ineligible for All-NBA After Missing 65-Game Threshold

Timberwolves star's missed games due to injury and illness cost him All-NBA honors and supermax eligibility

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:41am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with their form broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the flaws and distortions of the NBA's 65-game awards eligibility rule.The NBA's 65-game eligibility rule for awards has created a fractured and distorted view of individual player performances this season.San Antonio Today

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is the latest victim of the NBA's controversial 65-game eligibility rule for end-of-season awards. Despite being one of the league's top scorers and most efficient two-way players this season, Edwards will miss out on All-NBA honors after missing too many games due to a right knee injury and illness. This will have tangible financial consequences, as an All-NBA selection would have assured him supermax contract eligibility in the future.

Why it matters

The 65-game rule has come under heavy criticism this season, as it has prevented several deserving players from being recognized for their outstanding individual performances. The rule fails to account for factors like minutes played, prestige of awards, and legitimate injuries, leading to situations where less deserving players may be selected over more impactful stars.

The details

Edwards was having one of the most efficient and productive seasons of his young career, ranking near the top of the league in scoring and advanced metrics. However, he will fall short of the 65-game threshold after missing Thursday's game against the Pistons with a right knee injury and illness. He can still technically reach 65 games played, but not the 65 'eligible' games (playing at least 20 minutes). This will cost him a spot on an All-NBA team, which would have assured him supermax contract eligibility in the future.

  • Edwards missed the Timberwolves' third game of the season on October 23, 2025 after playing only 3 minutes.
  • Edwards will miss the Timberwolves' game against the Pistons on April 3, 2026 due to a right knee injury and illness.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A 24-year-old guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is having one of the most efficient and productive seasons of his young NBA career, ranking near the top of the league in scoring and advanced metrics.

Cade Cunningham

A rising star guard for the Detroit Pistons who is also in danger of missing the 65-game threshold for All-NBA eligibility.

Nikola Jokić

The reigning NBA MVP for the Denver Nuggets, who is also one missed game away from becoming ineligible for All-NBA honors.

Kawhi Leonard

The veteran forward for the Los Angeles Clippers who is also on the verge of missing the 65-game threshold.

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who has defended the 65-game rule, arguing that it is working as intended.

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What they’re saying

“If a system in which voters have the power to determine how much money a player can earn but not the amount of unavailability should dictate whether or not they can earn that extra money sounds broken to you, you're not alone.”

— Sam Quinn, CBS Sports Writer

“When we look back on the 2025-26 season, we'll remember Edwards and Cunningham far more than the less deserving players who claim their spots.”

— Sam Quinn, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The NBA Players Association has officially called for a change to the 65-game rule, and commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the criticism. It remains to be seen if the league will make any adjustments to the policy ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The 65-game eligibility rule for NBA awards has come under intense scrutiny this season, as it has prevented several of the league's top players from being recognized for their outstanding individual performances. The rule's lack of nuance and failure to account for factors like minutes played, award prestige, and legitimate injuries has led to situations where less deserving players may be selected over more impactful stars, undermining the integrity of the awards system.