Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham Clear to Compete for NBA Season Awards
The NBA announced Thursday that appeals from Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham were upheld. The rulings restore both players’ eligibility for end-of-season honors.
League decision and process
Both players filed formal protests by the league deadline. The appeals were evaluated by a challenge expert jointly selected by the NBA and the NBPA.
A league source told Filmogaz.com that neither the NBA nor the players’ union contested the filings. The sole remedy available was to deem the players eligible for the applicable awards.
Why the appeals were necessary
Dončić finished the regular season with 64 games played. That is one game shy of the 65-game threshold to qualify for awards.
He suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in his 64th game and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. The Lakers were preparing for a playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Dončić’s circumstances
Dončić missed two games in December to travel to Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter. He also sat out one game due to a mandatory suspension after his 16th technical foul.
His agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, told Filmogaz.com that Dončić returned promptly after the family matter. The agent argued that extraordinary circumstances justified the appeal.
Cunningham’s circumstances
Cunningham missed significant time after suffering a collapsed lung. He played 64 games during the regular season.
A league source told Filmogaz.com that Cunningham’s condition was treated as a non-basketball medical issue. That factor influenced the appeal review.
Outcomes and expectations
Both players are expected to be named to All-NBA teams. Dončić remains an outside candidate for the league MVP award.
Observers noted that Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham Clear to Compete for NBA Season Awards following the rulings.
| Player | Games Played | Key Averages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Dončić | 64 | 33.5 PTS, 7.7 REB, 8.3 AST | Grade 2 hamstring; missed two December games for birth of daughter; led league in shots made and taken. |
| Cade Cunningham | 64 | 23.9 PTS, 9.9 AST | Collapsed lung; missed 11 straight games before April 9 return; credited with leading Pistons to 60 wins and No. 1 East seed. |
Other appeals
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards also filed an appeal. He played 61 games and missed 11 of the Timberwolves’ final 14 contests.
An independent arbitrator denied Edwards’ protest. His appeal did not meet the required standard.
What comes next
The challenge expert’s rulings make both Dončić and Cunningham formally eligible for league honors. Final award ballots and All-NBA selections will proceed under the standard timetable.
Teams and voters will now consider the full seasons and the arbitrator’s decisions when making award determinations.
