NBA awards: Who is and isn't eligible for end-of-season honors?

With the 2025-26 NBA season nearing its conclusion, we’re almost to the point where a panel of 125 media members will vote on individual honors such as the Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and more. But first, thanks to a rule that has inspired significant debate in its three years in place, we must determine which players are even allowed to receive consideration for these awards.Advertisement