The NBA‘s 65-game rule was designed to keep star players on the court for as much time as possible, allowing the league to effectively address the issue of load management.
But what about the stars who don’t take games off but still suffer injuries like Nikola Jokić? Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman reveals his stance on the subject.
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David Adelman Critical of NBA’s 65-Game Rule
The NBA implemented the minimum requirement of 65 games for star players to be eligible for All-NBA teams as well as end-of-regular-season awards. They hoped that taking this action would improve load management and enhance the quality of their on-court product, with stars being more active.
However, this season has presented the flaws behind the concept. More star players who would be in the All-NBA conversation have suffered significant injuries that would put them out of the running for those selections and awards. Jokić finds himself at risk after sustaining a hyperextended knee during the Nuggets’ loss to the Miami Heat on Dec. 29.
Even though Denver has stood its ground without their three-time MVP winner, Adelman didn’t hold back his thoughts about the 65-game rule after the team’s latest game against the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 9.
“I understand the 65-game rule, but a guy who NEVER misses games for a decade, it bothers me a little bit,” Adelman said during the postgame. “This is not somebody who sits out. He NEVER sits out.”
Adelman’s point does stand, considering that Jokić has played in 65 or more games throughout every season he’s been with the Nuggets. The most he missed was when he missed 13 games in the 2022-23 campaign, which still would’ve placed him on an All-NBA team and in the MVP conversation if the 65-game rule were in effect.
What’s Next on Schedule for Adelman and Nuggets?
Adelman and the Nuggets will hope for Jokić to make a full recovery from the knee hyperextension as the team reaches the midway point of the 2025-26 campaign.
Denver boasts a 25-13 record at the moment, sitting at third place in the Western Conference standings. They are above the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers while trailing the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nuggets will play at home before embarking on a two-game road trip. They host the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. ET before facing the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. ET and the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 14 at 9:30 p.m. ET.