INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – In a press conference during the annual NBA All-Star Weekend, commissioner Adam Silver defended the league’s requirement that players must compete in 65 games to be considered for prestigious awards. He stated that the rule was put in place to incentivize star players to participate in more games.
Silver highlighted that the number of games players have participated in has increased this season, and interestingly, injuries have decreased. However, he acknowledged that it’s too early to determine the full impact of the rule and mentioned the need to evaluate it at the end of the season.
This season marks the first in which players must play a minimum of 65 games to be eligible for awards such as Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year. Reigning MVP Joel Embiid is already ineligible for the award due to various minor injuries and surgery, while Tyrese Haliburton is pushing through a hamstring injury in hopes of making an All-NBA team.
The league’s top-ranked offense, led by the Indiana Pacers, is achieving historic scoring levels with an average of nearly 124 points per game. Silver addressed the increased scoring, emphasizing that the league prioritizes competitive games over high scores.
Additionally, Silver addressed the strained relationship between players, coaches, and referees, expressing the need for better communication and mutual respect. He also mentioned reassessing the NBA’s G League Ignite franchise for young players, focusing on the development of American players at an earlier stage.
Overall, Silver’s statements shed light on the NBA’s efforts to address player participation, respect for officials, and the development of young talent in the league.