In the wake of Kevin Durant's injury, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has called for the NBA to start looking at sports medicine technology to improve diagnosis of injuries.
Durant recently suffered an Achilles tear in his first game back after a month-long absence due to a calf strain. KD missed nine straight contests and he reportedly sped up the process of his return to help the Golden State Warriors, who were down 3-1 against the Toronto Raptors heading to Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Fans and experts alike questioned the Dubs and their medical team for the injury to the two-time Finals MVP, with some even pointing out that the way they were careless in handling Durant's issue.
Amid all the finger-pointing, however, Cuban said that the biggest takeaway is the need for the league to “invest in research into diagnostic tools that allow for proactive analysis of tendons and ligaments.”
The outspoken Mavs owner argued that it will help in avoiding devastating injuries, just like what happened to Durant.
The take away from last nights finals gm should be that the @nba & PA invest in research into diagnostic tools that allow for proactive analysis of tendons and ligaments so that we can pre-empt the devastating injuries @KDTrey5 , @boogiecousins, @jjbareapr @kporzee,@WessyWes23
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 11, 2019
And so many others have experienced. The reality of sports medicine is that it is still as much art as science. However, technology is turning a corner and we can accelerate the advances through investment. Teams are investing anecdotally where we can,
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 11, 2019
While Cuban admitted it will take time to see the results of the investment, he said that it will benefit players who will enter the league this year and in the upcoming seasons.
But it’s now time to invest as a league, even if results may be 10 or 20 years away , we would benefit players who are coming into the league now. It’s our responsibility to the players who make this league so successful
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) June 11, 2019
The NBA has done a good job in protecting the players, particularly their future. However, Mark Cuban's underlying argument is that prevention is better than cure, and as long as the league doesn't put emphasis on injury prevention, more and more players will be at risk of possible career-ending/altering injuries.