NBA Commissioner Hints at Reintroduction of Trophy Logos
OKLAHOMA CITY — Following a vigorous online discussion concerning the appearance of the NBA Finals court during Indiana’s impressive Game 1 victory over Oklahoma City, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted on Friday that the league is open to reconsidering the reintroduction of the Larry O’Brien trophy logos on the court after the conclusion of this season.
Historical Context and Current Concerns
Historically, the NBA has included various designs of the trophy logo on its courts, but that practice ceased in 2014 due to player safety concerns, particularly issues related to the court’s slickness. Silver explained, “Notably, during the 2017 NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers incorporated a small representation of the trophy. More recently, the 2020 Finals, held in the Orlando bubble, showcased a significantly large finals logo sponsored by YouTube.”
Silver acknowledged the valid points raised by fans and media who feel that the current Finals courts lack distinctive features.
“Maybe there’s a way around it,”
he remarked during an NBA Cares charity event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. With a nostalgic view, he expressed how the visibility of trophy logos enhances the experience as viewers look back at highlights.
Contrasting Designs and Logistical Challenges
A significant aspect of the discussion relates to the contrasting designs of the NBA’s midseason tournament, which features vibrant colors and elaborate team-specific decals, compared to the more subdued Finals courts. Many have criticized this discrepancy, suggesting that while the league puts significant effort into marketing the midseason games, it fails to promote the finals with the same vigor.
Silver noted the logistical challenges involved in creating the courts, stating,
“For the Cup, we have the advantage of extensive planning and a specific neutral court setup. Teams also have their own designs for Cup courts, which requires considerable time to prepare in terms of paint and other factors.”
He further remarked, “The absence of logos on the Finals courts stemmed from concerns—whether perceived or real—about additional slipperiness. There was a belief that the introduction of logos, especially close to the Finals period, might unsettle things—perhaps due to superstition associated with the high stakes of the competition.”
Looking Forward
As the NBA looks ahead to next June, a return of the trophy logos may just be on the horizon, signaling a potential shift in how the league honors its premier event.
