The 2025-26 NBA season marked the first year of the league’s new participation policy, designed to curb rampant load management and ensure star players actually suit up for the majority of games.
The rule is straightforward: a player must appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for any end-of-season individual awards or selection to one of the three All-NBA teams. The policy has sparked significant debate, especially as several of the league’s biggest names — including Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham, Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards, and Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić — will fall short of the threshold due to injuries and missed games.
While the rule has closed the door for some, it has opened a window for others.
Kevin Durant Locks In, But Şengün Could Surprise
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant is a near-lock for one of the All-NBA teams regardless of the absences of Cunningham, Edwards, and Dončić. His scoring efficiency and two-way impact remain elite even at this stage of his career.
However, his Rockets teammate, center Alperen Şengün, stands as one of the most intriguing beneficiaries of the new rule. The 23-year-old has quietly built a strong case for All-NBA recognition, especially with his recent surge.
Şengün made his second consecutive All-Star team this season and is putting up impressive numbers: 20.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. He ranks 11th in the NBA in rebounds and 19th in assists, while leading the Rockets in the latter category.
Şengün Heating Up at the Perfect Time
The young center has been particularly dominant of late. He has rediscovered his outside shot, which could be a game-changer for a Rockets team that has struggled with perimeter shooting at times.
In the Rockets’ last five games, Şengün has averaged 23.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while shooting 56.6% from the field, 61.5% from three-point range, and posting a 66.1% true shooting percentage.
Over the last 10 games, those numbers remain strong: 22.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists on 63.4% from the field, 52.6% from deep, and 67.9% true shooting.
He has been playing at an All-NBA level recently — and notably, without a true point guard consistently feeding him in his preferred spots on the floor.
The 65-Game Rule Opens the Door
The new participation policy has created an unusual situation. Several perennial All-NBA candidates will be ineligible, which could push Şengün into the conversation for one of the 15 total All-NBA spots (regardless of position).
While it may be an unpopular opinion in some circles, Şengün’s combination of production, efficiency, and recent dominance makes a compelling case. He has shown the ability to impact winning on both ends and has carried a significant load for a Rockets team fighting for playoff positioning in a loaded Western Conference.
Final Word
Alperen Şengün has taken a major step forward this season, earning his second All-Star nod and showing All-NBA caliber play, especially in the second half of the year. The new 65-game rule has inadvertently created an opening, and Şengün is well-positioned to capitalize on it.
Whether he ultimately lands on one of the All-NBA teams or not, his growth has been one of the brightest stories for the Rockets. Houston’s front office and coaching staff have every reason to be excited about the young center’s trajectory.
Rockets fans, what’s your take? Do you believe Alperen Şengün deserves All-NBA consideration this season, or is it still too early? How big of an impact has the new 65-game rule had on the awards race? Let us know in the comments below.
The regular season is winding down, and the race for end-of-season honors is heating up. Şengün’s recent play has made him one of the most intriguing names to watch as voting concludes.