The Ringer NBA Show Resetting the Eastern Conference and Rethinking the 65-Game Award Rule | Real Ones
36 snips
Jan 2, 2026 The hosts dive into the drama as Anthony Edwards leaves the bench during a Timberwolves' loss, hinting at deeper team issues. They also tackle the controversial 65-game rule for awards, debating its fairness and implications for injured players. The conversation shifts to the Eastern Conference, examining the surprising rise of the Celtics and the Cavaliers' struggles. Michigan's Knicks and Pistons are highlighted as top contenders, showcasing their unique strengths. A mix of insights and humor keeps the analysis lively!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
'Next Man Up' Is Reinvention, Not Replacement
- Losing multiple starters like the Nuggets have forces reinvention, not simple one-for-one replacement of superstar production.
- Raja Bell warns 'next man up' becomes reality because games keep coming and teams must adapt roles fast.
65-Game Rule Protects The Product But Can Penalize Injuries
- The NBA's 65-game rule was created to deter strategic rest and protect the product, but it can unfairly penalize genuinely injured players.
- Raja Bell feels the rule is necessary but sympathizes that it can ruin award recognition for unlucky injury cases.
Allow Recognition Below Top Tiers For Injured Players
- Consider tweaking the 65-game rule to allow injured players recognition on lower All-NBA tiers or an 'injury asterisk' category.
- Howard Beck and Zach Lowe propose keeping the deterrent but restoring historical recognition for those who miss marginally under the cutoff.