Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo during an NBA game.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo sounded off on the NBA’s 65-game minimum for major regular-season awards, arguing the rule leaves stars almost no margin for error once injuries hit.
In comments shared on social media by@BucksLead, Antetokounmpo said he’ll stilltry to reach the threshold, but admitted it’s “hard” after deep playoff runs and the physical toll of each season, and he flat-out suggested the league reconsider it as players age.
Bucks Lead
Giannis was asked about the 65-game rule for regular-season awards:
“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. If you want to be a
Bucks star says the 65-game rule leaves “no break”
Antetokounmpo’s frustration is simple: one real injury can knock a player out of award eligibility, even if they’re dominant when they play.
“The margin of error is hard,” he said, noting that a single injury can end an awards chase and adding that several megastars could fall short. “I might not make it. Jokic might not make it. LeBron’s not going to make it. Wemby might not make it.”
He also joked about what the league’s awards picture could look like if the cutoff keeps wiping out top candidates: “Who’s going to be available, just Shai?”
What the NBA’s 65-game rule actually requires
The rule (added in the current CBA era) generally requires players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for MVP, All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year and other major awards, and to count as a “game played,” a player typically needs 20 minutes (with limited “near-miss” exceptions).
Practically, that means stars can miss no more than 17 games in a standard 82-game season and still have a shot at awards, unless a specific exception applies.
Key detail (why it matters for players): award eligibility can also connect to contract escalators and supermax pathways, which is why the cutoff is a much bigger deal than just trophies.
Why this hits Giannis right now
Antetokounmpo’s comments come in a season where availability has been a real storyline for him.
He missed eight games with a calf injury earlier this year, returning in late December. And in a separate recent report,Reuters noted he’d been limited to 23 games this season due to injury, even while putting up about 29.5 points, 10 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
That’s the pressure point he’s talking about: if a star loses a chunk of games to legitimate injuries, the rule can effectively erase them from awards discussions, even if they’re clearly performing at an All-NBA level when healthy.
Giannis’ frustration also lands at a moment when he’s trying to quiet bigger-picture noise. Just this week, Antetokounmpo said there would “never” be a time he asks the Milwaukee Bucks for a trade, framing himself as a Buck for life. With the NBA trade deadline set for Feb. 5 (3 p.m. ET), roster shakeups are already starting around the league, including Washington’s deal for Trae Young.
The resume angle: Giannis knows how hard consistency is
Antetokounmpo also framed it through the lens of his own track record. He’s been All-NBA nine times and made seven straight All-NBA First Teams (through 2024-25).
That’s why his quote landed: he’s not arguing from theory — he’s saying the grind plus injuries plus postseason miles can make the cutoff feel unrealistic for even the league’s most durable superstars.
Giannis Stats in 2025-26
Missed time: 8-game calf absence (plus earlier injury context)
Season availability snapshot: 23 games played
Awards rule basics: 65 games + 20-minute standard
All-NBA resume: 7 straight First Team (through 2024-25)