Stan Van Gundy has long been a well-known figure in the NBA. The former head coach led teams including the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans.
He is now an analyst and remains directly involved in the league’s ecosystem. Van Gundy is also an official NBA Awards voter, giving his opinions added weight.
That status makes his latest comments particularly relevant, as he dropped a blunt take on Luka Doncic’s potential eligibility for end of season honours.
Stan Van Gundy pushes back on Luka Doncic NBA Awards eligibility appeal
The controversy centres on the NBA’s 65 game rule for major awards. Doncic fell short after an injury ruled him out for the closing stretch of the regular season.
His absence prevented him from reaching the required threshold. However, his agent Bill Duffy confirmed plans to file an “Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge”.
Duffy highlighted personal reasons alongside the injury. He pointed to Doncic missing two games following the birth of his second daughter as part of the appeal.
Van Gundy made his stance clear when discussing the situation on the Zach Lowe Show. He said: “If Luka missing one game isn’t a big deal, what about 63 games? What about 62, 61?”
He continued: “And the whole thing with his wife having a baby… Come on! If that were the only games he missed, fine. Everybody has missed games for personal reasons!
“We either have a line, or we don’t. If we have a line, which I personally like, then let’s stick to it. He didn’t make it.”
He also questioned whether circumstances influenced availability.
“Are there other games he maybe could’ve played or would’ve played if they were at the end of the year to qualify? I think it’s good we are prioritising guys playing,” the 66-year-old concluded.
Luka Doncic’s standout season still in All-NBA doubt
Despite the eligibility issue, Doncic’s individual campaign has been exceptional. He is the league’s top scorer so far and sixth in assists.
He has also remained firmly in the top five of the MVP Ladder throughout the year.
Yet the 65 game rule leaves his recognition uncertain. Missing the threshold by only one game could ultimately cost him a place among the season’s top honours.
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