NBA
The 10 worst NBA In-Season Tournament courts ranked
The NBA and the third parties involved are thrilled with the outcome. They know the new playing courts are bold - so do the fans and the basketball media.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has introduced unique court designs for each team participating in the upcoming in-season tournament following the success of last year’s play-in tournament. The courts are a significant departure from the traditional wooden courts, with eye-catching designs aimed at capturing the attention of fans. The tournament offers a break from the regular season and adds an extra layer of competition, with a prize of 500k for the winning team. Some suggest additional incentives to elevate the tournament’s significance further.
The courts themselves vary in design and style, with some eliciting strong reactions from fans and critics alike. Among the standout designs, the San Antonio Spurs’ court receives praise for its Southwestern vibes and unique color scheme, earning it a coveted spot in the top tier. On the other hand, the Washington Wizards’ court has sparked confusion and mixed feelings, with some comparing it to the extremes of either genius or disaster.
Detroit Pistons
It isn’t easy to understand why so many teams chose gray. The “Detroit” font at the center court is a nice touch, but there’s not much else to discuss.
Houston Rockets
Some have noted that the court is a significant step down from the Rockets’ center’s recent “Dunkstronaut” design.
San Antonio Spurs
The yellow strip stretches from one hoop to the other, with a sun surrounding the Tower of the Americas at the center of the court. Spurs fans are stumped about why their favorite team’s court looks like it belongs to the Seattle Supersonics.
Golden State Warriors
A court that evokes air pollution at sunset or an upset stomach. It’s a fantastic and storied franchise with many exciting designs and colors they could’ve played with; so miserable but on brand for the franchise that endorses their bully player, Draymond Green.
Dallas Mavericks
A personality-less gray canvas, particularly odd for a team and color scheme with many options.
Washington Wizards
Downright grotesque, in league with the Pelicans and upcoming Suns palettes, a classic case of the curtains matching the drapes, book matching its cover, ugly inside and out.
Phoenix Suns
On the court, there are vibrant purple and blue colors all over. The NBA Cup, which is enormous, has ‘El Valle’ written in script at the center of the court. Kevin Durant, who plays forward for the Phoenix Suns, recently got his first look at the in-season tournament and shared his honest reaction. He said, “Playing with a purple court in the NBA? No way. That’s insane. Never done before, right?”.
Brooklyn Nets
Feel free to argue against the Nets court design being entirely on brand with the franchise’s cynicism and lack of imagination.
Toronto Raptors
Another victim of “what is” competing with the possibilities of “what could’ve been.” It was utterly mailed in a bland scheme from a team with fascinating colors and themes to play with.
New Orleans Pelicans
Luka Doncic admitted that playing on the NBA In-Season Tournament courts, especially the Pelicans, could contribute to some of the uncharacteristic play we’ve seen from the Mavs.
“I mean, outside of all of the courts, I think the court today was evil,” Doncic said. “It was slippery, and the ball didn’t bounce in some places. If we have these courts, we need to ensure that it’s a stable court.”