Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Detroit Pistons floor general Cade Cunningham are both eligible for the NBA's end-of-season awards after the league and players' association ruled in favor of their extraordinary circumstances challenges, the governing bodies announced Thursday.
Doncic fell one qualified game short of the 65-game requirement. He missed two contests in December for the birth of his daughter in Slovenia.
I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision. It was so important to me to be present for the birth of my daughter in December and I appreciate Mark, Jeanie, Rob, JJ, and the entire Lakers organization for fully supporting me and…
— Luka Doncic (@lukadoncic) April 16, 2026
Meanwhile, Cunningham reached 63 qualified appearances but was sidelined for three weeks after suffering a collapsed lung March 17. The two-time All-Star's injury was considered a condition as opposed to a basketball injury, which factored into the decision to grant him eligibility, a source told The Athletic's Dan Woike, Sam Amick, and Hunter Patterson.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards also filed a challenge after playing in 60 qualified games. His case was advanced to an independent arbitrator before being denied.
Edwards missed six straight contests in March with right knee inflammation and five of the team's last seven regular-season games to manage the ailment.
In his plea, Edwards argued that he dealt with a staph infection in December, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. His business manager, Justin Holland, released a statement to Charania on behalf of the Timberwolves guard.
"Anthony and I appreciate the PA appealing his case," Holland said. "For me personally, I'm a bit confused at the clemency for Cade, who missed time for something that happened on the court, and not Ant, who missed time for an infection, but ultimately you already know Ant isn't trippin' over it AT ALL.
"He was mad he didn't get to 65, but not because he missed out on awards. He was mad because it meant he didn't get to play in all 82 (games) - which is what he always tries to do for his teammates and fans. You know the only thing he wants is a ring!"
A qualified game requires a player to log at least 20 minutes, but they can count a maximum of two games where they play just 15-20 minutes.
Doncic averaged 33.5 points to capture his second scoring title in three seasons. He now has a chance to earn his sixth All-NBA selection and an outside shot at MVP.
Cunningham averaged 23.9 points on 46.1% shooting and finished second to Nikola Jokic in assists per game (9.9). The former No. 1 overall pick is seeking his second consecutive All-NBA nod.
