Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers) and Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) have been granted eligibility for the NBA's Most Valuable Player award despite not meeting the standard 65-game minimum. The league, in conjunction with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), acknowledged 'extraordinary circumstances' for both players. Doncic played 64 games but missed time due to a hamstring injury and attending the birth of his daughter in Slovenia. Cunningham's season ended prematurely after suffering a collapsed lung, which sidelined him for 12 games. In contrast, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who played 60 games, was denied eligibility under the same provision, leading to criticism from his coach, Chris Finch. This season's MVP race is highly competitive, featuring top contenders like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, and Nikola Jokic.