The Detroit Pistons received good news for their star guard, Cade Cunningham, on Thursday.
After being in danger of missing out on NBA awards due to being under 65 games played, the league has made an exception for Cunningham and the Los Angeles Lakers star, Luka Doncic.
In a joint statement, the NBA and NBPA announced the decision on Thursday morning:
“Cunningham played in 63 qualified games due in part to missing 12 games as a result of a collapsed lung that was diagnosed on March 17. … The NBPA agreed that, taking into account the totality of the circumstances for Cunningham and Doncic, each player qualified for awards under the extraordinary circumstances provision in the CBA.”
JB Bickerstaff Reacts To Cade Cunningham’s Big News
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks at his elbow after hard fall against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on February 21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jayden Mack/Getty Images)
Following a Pistons practice session in Michigan on Thursday, Detroit head coach JB Bickerstaff addressed the league’s announcement.
“He deserves it, you know what I mean?” Bickerstaff told reporters.
“That’s what you don’t want to see happen. Things taking away from guys that’s completely out of their control. I think the league did the right thing, and we can move on from it.”
Bickerstaff on Cade Cunningham now being eligible for annual awards under the extraordinary circumstances provision. #Pistons
Although the 65-game rule has been losing its popularity over the past year, the 2025-2026 NBA season has reached a new point for criticism aimed at the rule.
Several MVP-caliber players, including Cunningham and Doncic, were in danger of missing out on awards. Although Cunningham and Doncic squeezed their way into awards contention, several players were close to missing the mark as well.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander played 68 games. Nikola Jokic hit 65, while Victor Wembanyama got to 64, but made himself eligible with minutes played. Then, there’s Anthony Edwards, who wasn’t as fortunate as Cunningham and Doncic.
Although Edwards attempted to land eligibility with 61 games played, he was denied.
Cade Cunningham Can Move On
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 11: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons reacts against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 11, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
The Pistons have a playoff round to worry about.
With Cunningham putting the questions about his award eligibility behind him, he can put all of his focus on the second playoff series of his career.
The Pistons will soon find out their opponent. On Friday, the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic will battle it out for the eighth seed. The winner gets a series against the Pistons, which begins on Sunday, April 19.