NBA commissioner Adam Silver says league's concussion protocol best in class

OAKLAND — NBA commissioner Adam Silver called the league's concussion protocol is "best in class" and said the Golden State Warriors followed that protocol as mandated when addressing recent head injuries to guards Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Thompson's concussion drew particular attention because he initially passed the physical and cognitive tests that were given by the Warriors' medical staff. He was cleared to return but never re-entered the game. Thompson later was diagnosed with a concussion and cleared Tuesday to play in Thursday's Game 1.

"We have a protocol in place and a prominent national neurologist who is in charge of behalf of the league of setting that protocol so no particular team feels pressure to go outside of the rules and get a player back on the floor," Silver said.

The league's concussion doctor Jeffrey Kutcher told Paste BN Sports earlier this week that the league is doing a "very good job of protecting athletes …The thing that I'm most proud of is the overall awareness," Kutcher said. "And not just awareness, but the level of education across the league, whether it's the players, the medical staff, even the management personnel."

Silver said the league will continue to examine its concussion protocol, and he addressed the issued with the National Basketball Players Association.

"We're all ears (to suggestions and improvements)," Silver said.

— Silver also said the league will take a serious look at playoff seeding and indicated that teams could be seeded by conference 1-8 regardless of division winners.

— Even though there were injuries to high-profile players in the regular season and playoffs, Silver said the data does not reveal there were more injuries this season than last.

— Silver said draft reform is on hold until the league sees how rising salary cap over the next few seasons impacts player movement.