Several MVP-caliber players suffered notable injuries in the NBA in 2025-2026. Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham was one of them.
As a result, Cunningham and a handful of other stars have come close to losing out on end-of-year awards, due to falling under the 65-game minimum.
A collapsed lung sidelined Cunningham for several weeks. He managed to get back on the court for the Pistons’ 137-111 beatdown over the Milwaukee Bucks on April 8.
Cunningham shot 6-11 from the field to score 13 points. He landed a double-double with 10 assists and produced five rebounds.
After the game, Cunningham was asked about the 65-game rule. He saw both sides of the situation, stating his case to be eligible.
Cade Cunningham Speaks On The Controversial Rule
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 01: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Atlanta Hawks at Little Caesars Arena on December 01, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
âI feel a lot of different ways about it. I think what they were trying to do with it is have superstars playânot sit out just to restâbecause fans pay a lot of money to watch us play games. I have a lot of respect for that,â Cunningham told reporters.
âYou know, fans come to watch me play, and I want to make sure that Iâm available and I give them a show whenever they come out. In that way, I respect the rule. I think itâs a good rule in that way. Itâs tough for me right now. I did a lot of work to be in consideration for awards, All-NBA, and all that stuff. Iâm in a tough spot. I think it will all play out how itâs supposed to play out. Iâm just trying to do my best to help my team win. Iâm hearing all of this stuff about exceptions and all of this stuff. I donât know how all that stuff works. Iâll just keep doing my stuff day by day. And whenever that comes, will come. Whatever is meant to be will be.â
Former NBA Veteran Nick Young Reacts To Cunningham’s Statement
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 26: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dunks and scores against the Boston Celtics during the first half at the TD Garden on November 26, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
As the 2007 first-rounder Nick Young listened to Cunningham’s thoughts on the matter, he believed that Cunningham had the proper response.
âI just like his answer. Iâm glad heâs back to give his team a chance to get back gelling with each other before the playoffs,” Young said on The Arena.
“That was a woke answer for sure. He gave both sides of the situation, and I believe a player like Cade should be eligible in this case. You got elite, MVP-level type players thatâs going to get erased from history, even though they are trying to play and they are not doing the [load management]. They are trying to get out there, and, unfortunately, a collapsed lung happened at the end of the season. I think you should be able to use common sense in these situations.â
As long as Cunningham can play throughout the remainder of the season and get close to 65 games, an exception could possibly be granted, allowing Cunningham to become a seasonal award candidate. In the meantime, Cunningham is focused on getting back into the best shape possible ahead of the NBA Playoffs.
Cunningham and the Pistons will be back on the court on Friday night, April 10, to face the Charlotte Hornets.
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