The courts of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament have come under critical scrutiny from NBA players. In the most recent instance, it was Jaylen Brown who spoke out against their slippery nature and emphasized the safety measures that should be taken for the league’s athletes.
Speaking to the Boston Globe after the game where the Celtics narrowly defeated the Raptors 108-105, Boston’s two-time All-Star made his concerns about player safety clear:
“I slipped. I think I might have strained my groin a little bit. We’ll see how it feels but the court was just slippery all game. I think as players we’re all here for the in-season tournament because it’s going to generate revenue, excitement, competition, but we’ve got to make sure the floor is safe to play on,” Brown said. “We can’t put our players out there and risk their health.”
"I thought the floor was kind of unacceptable. I think guys were just slipping all over the place, not just me."
Jaylen Brown is not a fan of the In-Season Tournament courts 😬
(via @hoopshype)pic.twitter.com/xkiGPWi884
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 18, 2023
This is not an issue that the NBA can take lightly, especially when Jaylen Brown is not the first league star to speak out against this new project aimed at making the regular season more interesting.
Luka Doncic Expressed His Concerns With The Courts Earlier
Luka Doncic was the latest star to point out a significant issue within the NBA, expressing frustration with the challenging conditions he faced in the Dallas Mavericks’ recent loss in New Orleans. Doncic addressed the matter during the post-game interview, stating:
“Outside of all the colors, the court today was really bad,” Luka Doncic told reporters after the game. “It was really slippery and then some places the ball didn’t really bounce. So you know, if we’re going to have these courts, we’re going to make sure that it’s a stable court, so you can play on it. Like in Dallas, you know? It wasn’t stable, so we had to change it.”
His remarks bring attention to the crucial role that court conditions play in a player’s performance and safety. The NBA, as a premier basketball league, should prioritize providing consistent and reliable playing surfaces for all teams. The impact of court quality extends beyond aesthetics, influencing the game’s outcome and the overall experience for players and fans alike. Doncic’s call for stability highlights the need for league-wide standards to ensure fair and competitive play across different arenas.
The Celtics Look Like The Best Team In The NBA Right Now
A resounding five-game winning streak has propelled the Boston Celtics to the forefront of the NBA, making a compelling case for being the best team in the league at this juncture. With an impressive record of 10-2, they currently hold the coveted top spot in the Eastern Conference, a testament to their recent dominance on the court, notably in their latest triumph over the Raptors.
The dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum has been instrumental in the Celtics’ success. Brown, exhibiting exceptional form, boasts averages of 22.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 11 games this season. Meanwhile, Tatum continues to dazzle with remarkable stats, averaging 27.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 12 games.
The offseason acquisitions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have significantly elevated the team’s performance. This strategic roster enhancement has not only secured their position as the team with the best record in the league but has also solidified their status as early favorites for the championship. The Celtics’ remarkable blend of talent, teamwork, and strategic moves in the offseason has positioned them as the team to beat and the frontrunners for the coveted NBA title.
