For many years, there has been debate between all NBA voters about how many games a player needs to play in order to get a spot on the all NBA team. In the 2023 offseason the league decided to create a universal rule that requires players to play in 65 games in order to win awards and make all NBA teams.
The new rules did a good job in encouraging players to play. Guys like Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant played the most games they have in years. However, some very talented players were left out of all NBA discussion due to not being able to play 65 games.
All NBA snub #1 – Joel Embiid
The 2023 MVP was on pace to top his performance in 2024. Unfortunately, injuries put a halt to that as he played just 39 games. Playing just 39 games probably wouldn’t have been enough to make All NBA even before the rule changes. However, even before his meniscus injury in January there were questions if he would make the game requirement due to rest days. Embiid missing the all NBA team with 55-60 games played while averaging more points than minutes played would’ve caused controversy.
All NBA snub #2 – Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell was probably the player most impacted by the new games played requirements. Mitchell averaged 27 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, which can be argued as the best season of his career. He put up these great numbers while also leading the Cavs to the 4th seed. However, due to the fact he only played 55 games, he was not on the all NBA team. I believe before this season Mitchell would’ve been given the honor of all NBA. Mitchell has been an all star for five straight seasons, but he has risen to another level in Cleveland. His two highest point per game seasons have been with the Cavs.
All NBA snub #3 – Trae Young
Young has been one of the most consistent offensive forces in the league. He has made the all star team three times and made All NBA in 2022. Although he has generally been healthy for most of his career he only played 54 games in 2024. Before this season the only time he hadn’t reached 65 games was the Covid shortened 2020 and 2021 seasons. Young had another good individual season with 26 points and 11 assists per game. However, the lack of team success might have made the voters look past him regardless of games played.
All NBA snub #4 – Kyrie Irving
Irving has consistently been one of the most talented players in the league, but his lack of availability on the court has been a consistent theme in his career. He hasn’t played 65 or more games since 2019. He has only played 65 or more games four times in his career. 2021 was his last all NBA season, as he played 54 games in the Covid shortened season. In a full season his 17 games missed would’ve been just enough to reach 65 games, assuming he didn’t miss more.
Although only playing 58 games left him out of all NBA discussions, he was still eligible for clutch player of the year, which he finished seventh in voting in. Although Irving’s stats were a downgrade over recent seasons he still had a strong season.
Photo via Star Local Media
All NBA snub #5 – Julius Randle
Although Jalen Brunson has stolen the spotlight, Randle has still proven to be a strong free agent signing for the Knicks. Since signing with the team in the 2019 offseason he has made three all star teams and two all NBA teams. He very well could’ve been on pace to make all NBA again, but unfortunately injuries limited him to playing just 46 games. He didn’t get a chance to play in the playoffs either.
All NBA snub #6 – Lauri Markkanen
In 2023 Markkanen rose to stardom. He increased his points per game from 15 in 2022 to 26 in 2023, leading him to win most improved player. Although he wasn’t as good in 2024 he was still playing at a star level, averaging 23 points per game. However, any chance of making the all NBA team was gone due to him only playing 55 games. Markkanen is another player whose career has been impacted by injuries, as he has only played 65 or more games twice since his rookie season in 2018.
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