Even by the unhinged standards of the NBA in-season tournament, the 76ers' court design is something.
Hours before Philadelphia's home tournament opener against the Pacers Tuesday evening, fans and reporters were treated to their first look at the 76ers' aggressively red, white and blue design.
Pictures surfaced of Philadelphia, the best team in the NBA so far this season, warming up on what appeared to be an ABA ball smashed and smothered across the entire floor.
A picture of the court tweeted by John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia drew mixed reactions from the basketball universe.
Sixers in season NBA tournament court for tonight#NoFilter pic.twitter.com/L9UOk6QYu7
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) November 14, 2023
A broad verdict was quickly reached: the court was, conservatively, difficult on the eyes.
Sixers new court is something. https://t.co/5bXahNtES8 pic.twitter.com/axcJ1AX9U4
— 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 𝗗𝗙𝗦 & 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗦 (@LineStarApp) November 14, 2023
My eyes can only take so much abuse https://t.co/SLc5WHzC9A
— Kyle Quinn (@Kyle_QuinnWIP) November 14, 2023
A few pointed out that the in-season tournament courts' garish designs could be detrimental to the fan viewing experience.
I don't understand why the NBA thinks making the court legitimately difficult to watch is a good marketing tactic https://t.co/STMTq0Y6LK
— Aubrey Nagle (@aubsn) November 14, 2023
Jokes about the sheer redness of the playing surface flew.
"Floor Is Lava," now streaming on NBC Sports Philadelphia.#Sixers https://t.co/Q0Jw7mdRoL
— Mike Sielski (@MikeSielski) November 14, 2023
There were a precious few dissenters.
Don't hate me I really like the red. https://t.co/MKqdrdynaZ
— Dena Driscoll (@bikemamadelphia) November 14, 2023
If Philadelphia continues playing like it has been, perhaps the floor will win a few converts.
