Cade Cunningham was having a phenomenal All-NBA caliber season until a freak injury threatened his chances at awards eligibility. Now, the NBPA - the union representing the league's players - has put out a statement challenging the recent NBA rule that requires players to play 65 games to appear on awards ballots. Rescinding or amending this rule could drastically impact the NBA landscape, not just for awards but also for injury management among players and contract incentives.
Cade's punishment was too much for the players' union to bare
As the NBPA has correctly realized, it's ridiculous to punish Cade so thoroughly for a one-time accident nearing the end of the season. He has led the Pistons to historic success this season and deserves appropriate recognition for his accomplishments. Cade rightfully shouldn't be at the top of anyone's MVP ballot if he misses the last 14 games of the season and other top candidates are much healthier. But omitting him from any award ballots and All-NBA teams entirely doesn't make sense in any world.
The fact that Cade has already overcome so much in his young NBA career, whether it was injuries in his first two seasons or a historic losing streak in his third, makes his potential omission sting even more. He's continually improved in spite of his setbacks and set up his team to secure the East's top seed this season, regardless of his status for the last few weeks.
And it's not like the Pistons are some superteam that can thrive with or without Cade. They've been able to rack up 4 straight wins including the game where he got injured, but the team isn't the same without him. Whenever he misses time, there are looming questions about Detroit's offense. Just because they've gotten some wins against mostly bad teams without Cade doesn't diminish his importance.
The 65-game rule has led to adverse effects elsewhere too
The Pistons have already seen the negative effects of the 65-game rule in other players this season. Isaiah Stewart is ineligible for an All-Defensive Team after missing time with a suspension and injury. He was not a lock to make a team if eligible like Cade, but taking him out of the running entirely was a tough blow.
Along the same vein, Ausar Thompson may have rushed back from an ankle sprain to preserve his eligibility for the same honors. Fortunately, he has been great defensively since coming back but his offense has been arguably at its worst in the last few games. Both Cade's absence and Ausar's own lingering injury could be at fault.
Around the league, players and teams have lamented the effects of the 65-game rule since its implementation. Hopefully its impact on Cade Cunningham will finally be enough for the NBA to make some changes.