The NBA instituted a new rule to combat load management. It was well received in the first few seasons but now, the opinion about it is changing. Add Giannis Antetokounmpo to those who think it is unfair.
The Milwaukee Bucks star was asked about his opinion on the 65-game threshold to become eligible for end-of-season awards. He did not want it to be removed but he put up an explanation that should make people reflect.
“I’ll be honest with you. Through 13 years of being in the league I think I’ve played 65 games every year. I’m still going to try. I think I’m still going to play 65 games, but it’s hard,” he told reporters after the game.
“If you want to be a really good player, help your team get deep in the playoffs, and then come back at it and play 65 games again. I’ve been All-NBA the last 9 years in a row— 7 times first team. It’s hard to be consistent. Just putting that rule there, it doesn’t give you a break.”
Antetokounmpo made the comments after his team’s victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. It was his 7th straight game after missing two weeks worth of games due to a calf injury.
GIANNIS STOPS BRON ON BACK TO BACK PLAYS FOR THE WIN 😳 pic.twitter.com/u2GmiWMsUq
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 10, 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo and 3 others who might not get an award
The Greek Freak dealt with two injuries that kept him for a total of around two months already. He has played 24 out of the 38 games so far.
He ultimately said it is hard to keep up with such a strict rule but understands what it is for and he is all here to play.
“The margin of error is hard, like you get one injury and you’re off the race. I might not make it. [Nikola’ Jokic might not make it. LeBron’s [James] not going to make it. Wemby [Victor Wembanyama] might not make it.”
The three guys he mentioned are also consistent names in the First Team All-NBA. James missed 19 out of 36 while Jokic remains out and missed six games due to a hyperextended knee before the end of 2025.
Wembanyama, a budding superstar, missed 13 games already. He made the 2024 First Team but was not named last season because of the 65-game rule.
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