Is The NBA’s 65-Game Rule Ruining The MVP & All-NBA Races?| HARD PASS Ep. #102

Doug Kezirian breaks down the growing outrage over the NBA’s 65-game rule and why the complaints are missing the bigger picture. With stars like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and even Victor Wembanyama at risk of missing award eligibility due to injuries, critics argue the rule is creating a “diluted” MVP race.

But Doug pushes back: if a player misses nearly a quarter of the season, should they really win MVP? Does reputation outweigh availability? And are we moving the goalposts just because the biggest names might not qualify?

From comparisons to the College Football Playoff debate and SEC favoritism, to Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown emerging as legitimate candidates, Doug explains why the MVP should reward the best season … not just the biggest brand.

Is the 65-game rule flawed? Or are fans just uncomfortable when star power doesn’t automatically win? Drop your take in the comments and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Hard Pass 💯

“The level of complaining about the NBA's 65 game rule is approaching dangerous territory. ” – Doug Kezirian

#nba #nbamvp #nikolajokic #giannis #shai #cadecunningham #jaylenbrown #nbadebate #loadmanagement #basketball

HARD PASS Ep. #102

On Today’s Episode:

00:00 - Intro

00:28 - The Hoop Scoop

🏀 Doug sets the tone: the outrage over the NBA’s 65-game rule is starting to resemble SEC fans lobbying for reputation over results. He explains why what actually happens during the season should matter most.

01:22 - The 65-Game Rule Explained

🏀 Doug breaks down the rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games to qualify for MVP, All-NBA, and major awards. With several superstars potentially falling short, the backlash is growing.

01:58 - Are The Goalposts Moving?

🏀 Doug reacts to critics calling injured stars “deserving” despite missing nearly a quarter of the season. He challenges the idea that brand recognition alone should outweigh availability.

03:53 - What Actually Defines MVP?

🏀 Doug questions whether missing 17+ games should disqualify someone from MVP consideration. He argues that sustained production and availability must be part of what defines “most valuable.”

05:28 - MVP vs All-NBA: Should The Criteria Be Different?

🏀 Doug explores whether the league should separate eligibility standards for MVP versus All-NBA and whether minor tweaks, like slightly lowering the threshold, would make sense.

06:12 - Talent vs Season: The Cade & Jaylen Argument

🏀 Doug explains why players like Cade Cunningham or Jaylen Brown shouldn’t be viewed as “diluted” winners if they play more games and lead winning teams. Being the best player in the world is different from having the best season.

#BasketballNews #SportsDebate #SportsPodcast #viralbasketball #BasketballTalk #SportsCommunity #NBAnews

Welcome to HARD PASS with veteran sports analyst Doug Kezirian, your stadium seat to everything football, and your courtside ticket to everything basketball! From buzzer-beaters to behind-the-scenes drama, scorching hot takes, and sharp analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. Brought to you by the Doug Kezirian Sports Network (DKSN).

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