Cam Johnson Defends 65-Game Rule’s Flaws

Cam Johnson Calls 65-Game Rule Flawed

The NBA’s 65-game rule for All-NBA eligibility is facing heavy criticism as the season winds down. Cam Johnson, co-host of ‘The Old Man and the Three’, believes the rule needs a serious rethink. He argues that it unfairly punishes players for unavoidable injuries.

“I personally just think the rule is bad now,” Johnson stated on the podcast. “I think it’s got diminishing returns.” He explained that the game has changed, with players moving more and the physical demands increasing. The rule, he feels, doesn’t account for this evolution.

Players Missing Out

Players like Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic are at risk of missing out on All-NBA honors because they fall short of the 65-game threshold due to injuries. Victor Wembanyama is also facing issues with the rule due to a recent shoulder injury.

“It feels completely arbitrary,” Johnson said about missing out on awards due to injury. He added that for big-time players who have performed well, missing out because of a few games is a tough break. The NBA’s goal should be to have its stars playing in the playoffs, and this rule works against that.

“The whole point the NBA should want all your stars playing in the playoffs, period. Absolutely. Best case scenario. So, if you’re if you’re creating a system where all of a sudden you don’t have we don’t have Luca playing for the Lakers in the playoffs, that is a a bad thing.”

Voters’ Role and Player Intent

Co-host Tommy Alter suggested that voters should be able to use their judgment. He believes voters can tell the difference between players who are truly injured and those who might be resting strategically.

“It’s on the voters to be able to filter that out and determine, you know, with the eye test on how much a player meant to their team,” Alter said. He believes voters should reward players who consistently impact their teams positively, rather than strictly adhering to a game count that can be affected by health.

Nikola Jokic’s Dominance

The conversation also touched upon Nikola Jokic’s incredible season. Despite missing 20% of the games, Jokic is leading the league in assists by a wide margin. Johnson expressed his awe at Jokic’s consistent impact.

“They’re unreal,” Johnson said about Jokic’s stats. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen any player that I’ve ever, you know, been able to like witness up close just have such a consistent impact on every game.” He emphasized that Jokic is one of the best offensive players ever.

Mike Malone to UNC

The hosts also discussed the possibility of coach Mike Malone taking a job at UNC. Johnson, who played against Malone, has heard positive feedback from former players.

“People that have played for him… they seem to think that it’s going to be a good fit for him,” Johnson shared. He noted that Malone’s familiarity with college basketball’s X’s and O’s and his ability to motivate players are strengths. The challenge, Johnson believes, will be recruiting and building a roster in the college game.

Team Building and Personalities

The podcast touched on team building activities for the Denver Nuggets. Johnson mentioned that while they don’t do formal activities like painting, they spend time together off the court, which helps gel the veteran team.

“We have a veteran team,” Johnson explained. “A lot of guys around late 20s, 30s. So, you know, it’s not like, you know, everybody’s an adult, handles their own business, but I do think we’re kind of jelling together like personalitywise.” He values the positive personalities in the locker room.

Cam Johnson’s ‘Killer Cam’ Nickname

Finally, Johnson addressed his nickname, ‘Killer Cam’. He admitted he’s not a celebratory player, preferring to expect his shots to go in rather than reacting with big emotions.

“It’s just not in my nature. I’m not like a over-the-top showy personality,” Johnson said. “I just do my thing and whatever happens happens.” He believes his reserved style is just who he is, even if it makes him less outwardly entertaining.

Source: Cam Johnson’s FINAL STRETCH Mailbag! | Jokic vs. Wemby, the 65-Game Rule & More! (YouTube)