NBA commissioner Adam Silver has addressed Anthony Edwards being ruled ineligible for awards this season. Edwards didn’t meet the 65-game threshold, and his appeal was denied by an arbitrator.
In an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Silver was asked about Edwards missing out on awards and failing to play at least 65 games. He also discussed what went into the appeal that was denied, unlike his peers like Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham.
“I understand a player like Anthony Edwards was at 60 and missed it,” Silver said, via HoopsHype. “He had the right through the Players Association to appeal that decision. It went to an independent arbitrator who said, ‘I’m sorry you missed the 65-game line.'”
The commissioner added, “But I think that what you have to look at in the totality of the number of players who might otherwise have rested and say, ‘No, that matters to me to be All-NBA. I’m going to play those games I might otherwise have rested,’ or the teams knowing that their players care and got them out on the floor, which is what the fans want to see.”
It was the first time in Edwards’ career that he missed more than 10 games in a season. He was limited to just 61 games mainly due to a runner’s knee in 10 of the final 12 regular-season games.
Edwards also endured minor hamstring, foot, back and elbow injuries before the All-Star break, as per Fox Sports.
Adam Silver Satisfied With 65-Game Rule
GettyNBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks at a press conference during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
Despite the criticism of the 65-game rule from players, analysts and fans, Adam Silver stood firm and even told Stephen A. Smith that he’s satisfied with it.
“I’m very satisfied,” Silver said, via HoopsHype. “So the issue again was, going into the last collective bargaining negotiation, roughly a third of our All-NBA players had played fewer than 65 games, fewer than 80% of the games. And so the view was, and remember this was a provision that was put in place through a negotiation with the Players Association, everyone was recognizing that we have to put our best foot forward.”
Silver added that the league knew that there would be instances where players would miss the 65-game rule due to unforeseen circumstances. That’s why players like Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham appealed their cases and were ruled eligible for awards despite playing less than 65 games.
Anthony Edwards This Season
GettyAnthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In 61 games this season, Anthony Edwards had the best year of his career. He averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals. He shot 48.9% from the field, 39.9% from 3-point range and 79.6% from the free-throw line.
Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets in the first round, even though Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo were injured.
Adam Silver Addresses Anthony Edwards Ineligibility, Satisfied With 65-Game Rule