NBA world, the 2026 drama train keeps rolling with a strong take from Kevin Durant! KD just criticized the 65-game minimum for end-of-season awards and All-NBA eligibility – a rule that’s putting stars like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Dončić at risk of missing out due to injuries. This is the third year of the CBA-enforced threshold, and the controversy rages on.
What Did KD Say? “I’ve gotten used to it, but…”
Responding to ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel’s post calling for change, Durant wrote: “I’ve gotten used to the 65 game threshold. They put it in to try to accommodate fans after the constant complaining from fans/media.”
He went further: “Fans/media have ruined basketball discourse. Diminished the importance of the regular season.”
KD acknowledged the playoffs are the most important part of the year, but a great regular season is necessary to get there. He suggested the rule exists mainly to appease fan and media complaints.
Not Blaming Injuries on Fans – It’s About Valuing the Regular Season
Some might misread KD as blaming fans/media for the injury wave. Not quite – his core point is how the community now values regular-season performances less than playoff success. He’s defending stars: Play at an elite level, but miss games (injury or load management) and you’re ineligible for MVP, All-NBA – huge for supermax deals.
He predicted the league will revert when “more media and fans have a problem with it,” like they adjusted All-Star, In-Season Tournament, and Play-In based on feedback.
Context: Stars at Risk of Missing Awards This Season
Jokić: Missed games with back issues.Giannis: Calf strain.Wemby: Shoulder + load management.Luka: Lingering calf.
Miss more than 17 games and they’re out – no matter how dominant their stats.
NBA Community Reaction
Players like LeBron and Embiid have grumbled before. Fans split: Some love it for “protecting the regular season,” others say it’s too harsh on legitimate injuries.
KD – who has missed All-NBA nods due to games played – is clearly speaking for many peers. Will the NBA listen and change by 2026-27?
NBA fans, where do you stand? Is the 65-game rule right to curb load management, or too punitive for injuries? Is KD spot on?