The Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA plan to meet in the coming days to consider modifications to the elevated playing surface at Rocket Arena after Lakers star Luka Doncic fell off the sideline and injured his left ankle on Wednesday, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon reported.
Doncic slipped off the edge of the 10-inch-high court during the game and is listed as questionable for Friday. His mishap renewed concerns about the league’s only raised floor, which has drawn criticism from several teams.
The Cavs’ hardwood sits approximately 10 inches above the rubber mat that covers the arena’s hockey rink, while courtside seats rest on the rubber instead of the platform. A team spokesperson told The Athletic the design complies with NBA rules, yet other clubs have objected.
The Miami Heat contacted the league in fall 2023 after guard Dru Smith suffered a season-ending ACL injury when he tumbled off the same drop-off. The National Basketball Players Association has since voiced its own safety worries.
According to Vardon, officials are weighing several fixes, including expanding the hardwood to place floor seats directly on it, eliminating the wooden risers supporting the court and maintaining colder arena temperatures to protect the surface, or reducing the risers’ height to lessen the gap. Each option could be costly and technically challenging.
No timetable has been set for a decision as discussions continue.
Source: Hoops Rumors
