Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has joined the list of several NBA star players who have become ineligible for end-of-season NBA awards in the 2023-24 season, due to not meeting the required number of games played.
The league’s recent rule necessitates that players participate in at least 65 games to qualify for awards such as MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, as well as spots on the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Mitchell, sidelined with a left knee bone bruise, has played in only 47 of Cleveland’s possible games. His inability to reach the 65-game threshold has made him ineligible for the awards, a fate shared by prominent players like Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, Julius Randle, and Kyrie Irving, among others.
Despite his significant contributions this season, averaging 28.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, Mitchell will miss out on a potential All-NBA spot despite continuing to be one of the league’s most impactful guards.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The focus from the league office remains on maximzing player participation, using a minimum for games played to qualify for awards as a driving force behind those efforts. The changes made have drawn mixed reviews throughout the first season of implementation.
“If you’re a healthy player in this league, the expectation is that you’re going to play,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
The Cavaliers could propose a contract worth 30% of the 2025-26 salary cap for up to four seasons, potentially totaling an estimated $199 million.
