I know, really dumb idea but hear me out. Shai drives 20 times a game and with all his finishes, he’s often hitting the hardwood even when he’s not fouled. Wouldn’t having a few pads down where players always fall going out of bounds help reduce wear and tear?
they do have landing mats out of bounds under the hoop. just not on the ground, the padding is on the base of the goal which does a lot more than you’d think.
The NBA is soft enough as it is. You now want to make the court soft as well?
More of a safety hazard than help
Because they make more money by having camera men there.
Have two people behind each basket ready to “catch” the falling player with mats. Kinda like in gymnastics.
For the last few years I’ve thought that the best changes to the NBA court would be to expand the area between the court and the fans/photographers. Give them more space