There has been a long-standing debate within the NBA on the biggest stars of the league not doing justice to fans and spectators. It relates to the process of load management and the practice of superstars missing games in the name of rest. To avoid not living up to such expectations from the NBA’s audience, the league introduced new rules for its Collective Bargaining Agreement with players. As per the updated policy, the only players eligible for individual honors would be those who have played a minimum of 65 games.

This hasn’t been met well by the stars of the league, such as forward Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors who feels that the upshot of this policy would be “bums” taking home major awards. Adding to the prevailing sentiment, former Warriors star Kevin Durant has now joined the fight alongside Green. As a fan pointed out, KD has had an impressive 2023 season, and the now-Phoenix Suns forward took a dig at the new guidelines, indicating how even other numbers won’t matter anymore.

Kevin Durant joins Draymond Green in trolling the new guidelines

A fan of the Slim Reaper took the liberty to put his season into numbers. The two-time Finals MVP is having one of his most efficient seasons by far. At 34, there has been no slowing down in his scoring exploits. Durant continues to hone his offensive skills and is arguably one of the most lethal weapons on the court.

In his 47 games this season, the four-time scoring champion is averaging 29.1 points per game with an effective field goal percentage of 61.4%. The numbers alone are without a doubt in an MVP-like category. Not only is he one of the leading scorers in the league, his efficiency-parameters show just how potent a scorer he truly is. His offensive presence is a perennial threat and his productivity each season puts him in an ever-elite class.

However, instead of bathing in his achievements, Kevin Durant saw the perfect opportunity to expose the dark truth of the new rule change in his response to the fan’s post. From next season, only those with 65 games in the regular season will be eligible for any individual honors. Hence, to show which side he stands on, KD sarcastically said, “Don’t count. Didn’t play 65 games”

Clearly, the 13-time All-Star forward is no fan of the new CBA guidelines. While the motive is to eliminate the problem of superstar absenteeism, it could affect the award system drastically. Durant’s past few seasons alone are a case in point.

How will the new changes affect the Slim Reaper?

Over his illustrious run in the NBA, Kevin Durant hasn’t been the luckiest star in terms of being healthy throughout the season. This has been especially true for the last few seasons. Since he joined the Brooklyn Nets up until his current position on the Suns’ roster, the 34-year-old scoring sensation has never played over 65 games in a single season.

Durant’s only concern and the love of his life is surely his time on the hardwood. If it wasn’t for injuries derailing him from playing, we might have seen him play beyond the now-updated benchmark every season. Unfortunately, as a star grows older, their body is understandably unable perform the same way as it used to. This isn’t the case just for Durant. Icons such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry have all suffered recurring injuries in recent history that evidence the strain their exertion on the court puts on certain areas of their body.

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However, despite the roadblocks, they keep performing at a high level. As per the new CBA rules, these stars possibly wouldn’t even qualify for major honors despite their otherworldly productivity. The latest update will only be effective if it is titrated with appropriate measures as to how stars of the league given incentives and rewarded, which includes titles and accolades. It might also result in an increased risk of injury as players may suit up even when it would be not be advisable to.

As a fan having watched the league from the outside, what do you think about the new rule? Let us know your views in the comments below.