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NBA to the Cavaliers' bench: Down in front! New rules aim to keep reserves in their seats
By Brian Windhorst
October 05, 2009, 11:58PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers upset plenty of fans at visiting arenas last season and not just because they had the best road record in team history.

In an effort to build team chemistry and simply to show support, the Cavs' bench often took to standing during large segments of games last season. Though they don't fully admit it, it may have been based on the Celtics from the 2007-08 season when, in a show of solidarity, their bench stood nearly the entire way to an NBA title.

But this was not popular with fans behind the benches or those sitting in the unfortunate corners whose line of sight was often blocked. For the most part those are high-dollar seats, triple figures in many arenas, and fans' complaints were frequent. That even included some season-ticket holders at The Q, who sometimes had to watch the game on the main video board, unless they wanted to stare at players' backs.

The league office heard them and is now taking action.

The NBA has issued a memo to its teams directing players on the bench to remain seated during games. Game officials will be keeping a closer eye and will issue faster warnings and possible technical fouls if not followed. Players are permitted to cheer, but standing during regular-game action and blocking the fans' views apparently isn't going to be allowed.

That goes for Tuesday night's first preseason game at The Q, where the Cavs will host the Charlotte Bobcats in the first of eight practice games before the season opener.

The Cavs weren't exactly thrilled that their custom has been legislated.

"It is hard to take that out of the game," LeBron James said. "Part of the game is emotions, your teammates are all you have. That was part of the reason we played great basketball, because we cheered each other."

It is yet to be seen just how strict the league will be. If past history is any indication, it may turn into a crackdown early in the season to set a tone.

"We're going to have to figure it out, it is going to be a fine line," Daniel Gibson said. "Last year we tried to have a college atmosphere."

That is well intentioned, but the fans near the bench aren't paying college prices or willing to accept obstructed views.

"Maybe it will lighten up after a while," James said. "Like with the dress code."