Cavaliers, NBA to Review Raised Court After Luka Dončić Injury
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA are set to discuss potential modifications to the raised court design at Rocket Arena. This follows a worrying incident involving Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić, who recently dodged a serious injury during a game. The raised court, which sits approximately 10 inches above the ice-covered hockey rink, has raised safety concerns.
Cleveland’s Unique Court Design
Rocket Arena features the only “raised” court in the NBA. This design creates a gap between the basketball floor and the ice below, which can pose risks to players. Dončić experienced this danger when he fell off the court’s edge. He is now considered questionable for the Lakers’ upcoming game in Washington due to left ankle soreness.
Previous Incidents and Complaints
This is not the first occasion that the court’s design has raised eyebrows. In November 2023, the Miami Heat formally complained to the NBA after player Dru Smith suffered a significant knee injury while landing in the same gap. The National Basketball Players Association is currently revisiting this issue with the league, seeing it as a pressing safety concern.
- Dončić’s incident occurred on a Wednesday night.
- Prior complaints highlighted player injuries resulting from the raised court.
- Dru Smith missed the remainder of his season due to his injury.
Lakers coach JJ Redick labeled the court a “safety hazard,” echoing sentiments previously voiced by Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. Even NBA veteran LeBron James has suggested that action is needed for player safety.
Response from the Cavaliers
In response to the recent concerns, a Cavaliers spokesperson asserted that the court design has met NBA regulations for over 20 years and emphasized ongoing evaluations to ensure player safety. The team maintains that the fan experience is a priority while addressing the needs of players.
Potential Solutions to Address Safety
The NBA, Cavaliers, and players’ association are considering options to eliminate the gap. Possible solutions include:
- Reducing the height of the wooden supports.
- Adding rubber ramps from the court to the hockey rink.
- Widening the court and relocating floor seats.
However, these modifications may be challenging to implement during the ongoing season, especially if the Cavaliers advance to the playoffs.
Conclusion
The need for a thorough evaluation of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ court is becoming increasingly urgent following the incidents involving Dončić and Smith. With significant player safety at stake, discussions between the NBA and the Cavaliers will be crucial in determining how to address these critical concerns at Rocket Arena.
