Should NBA adjust MVP rule to accommodate stars like Nikola Jokic?

With the 2025–26 NBA season nearing its midpoint, the league’s MVP race has been thrown into uncertainty. Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic — widely considered the best player in the world — is expected to miss at least four weeks after suffering a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise in Monday’s loss to the Miami Heat.

Should the league adjust its MVP rule to accommodate Jockic (29.6 PPG, 12,2 RPG, 11 APG) and other stars who miss time for injuries?

Per Fan Duel, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lakers guard Luka Doncic are the clear favorites for the award. 

What is the NBA's 65-game rule for MVPs?

The NBA's 65-game rule was formally implemented as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2023, taking effect at the start of the 2023-24 season. 

This policy was established to curb load management and ensure the league's biggest stars were in uniform more often for fans, TV partners and sponsors. The rule mandated that players must appear in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for major individual honors such as MVP and All-NBA teams.

But the rule has faced criticism for potentially penalizing players who suffer legitimate long-term injuries. And Jokic's latest health setback has rejuvenated this debate, prompting ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel to list all the players who could fall victim to this rule.