The Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA plan to meet to discuss the raised playing surface at Rocket Arena, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon reported.
The issue resurfaced after Lakers star Luka Doncic stepped off the sideline on Wednesday and injured his left ankle. Although the injury was not serious, it reignited long-standing safety concerns about Cleveland’s home court.
Rocket Arena features the league’s only elevated floor, sitting roughly 10 inches above the arena deck that covers the venue’s hockey rink. Floor-level seats are positioned below the court, creating a noticeable drop-off that visiting players often mention.
An NBA spokesperson told Vardon that the league and the Cavaliers are “revisiting” the court’s configuration. The team maintains the setup meets all league regulations.
Safety questions first escalated in 2023 when Miami’s Dru Smith fell from the raised surface and sustained a season-ending ACL tear. The National Basketball Players Association has also voiced concerns.
Potential remedies include widening the court’s perimeter, redesigning the base, lowering the platform or overhauling the entire structure. Any solution would involve significant time and cost.
The current discussion centers on whether the raised floor poses a genuine safety hazard rather than merely a distinctive arena feature.
Source: Hoops Wire
