Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards is now ineligible for All-NBA and MVP honors this season after missing his 17th game on Thursday against the Detroit Pistons. The absence, due to knee pain and illness, combined with a previous game where he played only three minutes, pushes him past the NBA's 65-game eligibility threshold for major awards.
Edwards, a two-time All-NBA second-team selection, is averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game this season. His absences accumulated from various injuries, including a hamstring issue, foot problems, and a recent six-game stretch due to knee inflammation.
The NBA's controversial rule, designed to limit player rest, has sidelined several stars from awards consideration this season, including LeBron James and Stephen Curry. The players' union (NBPA) recently called for the rule to be abolished following an injury to MVP candidate Cade Cunningham.