Is there any way technology could have impacted a game as simple as basketball? After all, what is there to improve with a ball, a court, and two baskets? Yet, NBA basketball has also been touched by the digital revolution that other industries have tasted, loved, and adopted.
Decades ago, no one would have thought that NBA picks and parlays could be powered by technology. However, this is just one of the examples of technology’s impact on the NBA.
Here are some other ways this digital revolution keeps impacting the NBA:
Wearable technology
Several NBA teams currently make use of wearable microchips and sensors. The club’s technical experts utilize these tech tools to monitor its athletes.
Some of the data the technical bench keeps track of include:
- Player workload
- Rehabilitation process
- Acceleration
- Jumping, etc.
Since the microchips do not impede the NBA player’s comfort during games or practice, they have become an incredible success.
SportVU cameras
When an NBA game is in progress, the SportVU camera records factual information in real-time on players, the ball’s location, and referees. To do this perfectly, exact x and y coordinates are employed. In addition, these tech camera records are analyzed at a rate of 25 times per second. The software stores this crucial data along with event metadata and location.
Up to one million new records are added to the databases for every NBA game. This implies that NBA enthusiasts don’t need to watch the games by eye to discover where players are, how close the defense is to a particular player, etc.
In other words, SportVU’s involvement strengthens the defense as much as possible.
Mobile devices and gadgets
Mobile devices and gadgets increasingly influence NBA clubs almost daily. Tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices offer additional options than mere whiteboards and dry-erase markers. These were the go-to tools of yore, and they worked remarkably well.
The influence of mobile devices on basketball is more significant than on social media postings. Coaches use mobile devices and gadgets to make the sidelines feel just like a locker room. However, coaches now make use of tablets while watching the games unfold. Players can always look to see what they are doing wrong to improve their game.
Using the power of social media
When social media platforms came on the scene, many NBA enthusiasts immediately recognized how powerful social media is. Social media transforms how players, sports fans, and even reporters connect. Their influence on the culture surrounding the NBA continues to be profound daily.
For instance, a considerable number of sports fans and reporters live tweet each NBA game. As a result, their assessments, highlights, and replies are heard and seen even faster than traditional methods.
Moreover, players can easily change their posts and profiles during or after an NBA game. This helps make their experience – and that of their avid fans – even more unique.
Twitter has employed an innovative technology that makes a custom timeline for all finals. As a result, sports enthusiasts could watch NBA games live via their social media profiles. This tech feature also makes it easier for users to remember the essential things that occurred and what was said and shared during the finals. Additionally, NBA fans that missed a few portions of the game can swiftly search for the relevant hashtags on Twitter to stay abreast of the event.
The coach’s eye
The coach’s eye is a powerful software available as a mobile application for every major platform. This software is used by trainers, coaches, and even parents or guardians for recording and following players during practices or games.
The coach’s eye lets users compare two unique scenarios or side-by-side comparisons, watch slow-or-fast-motion replays, and several other developmental features.
Online gaming portals
The NBA is undeniably popular, and no one argues against that. However, to sustain any worthwhile venture’s popularity, pulling in more viewers from time to time is essential. This is crucial since older generations will move on, and the association needs to keep interest levels as high as possible.
Introducing and using online gaming portals is one of the most efficient ways of resonating with the younger generation. In addition, these portals offer a wide variety of NBA-themed games.
Gamers can participate in actual basketball games as well as basketball bingo derivatives. This has helped boost NBA’s popularity with no end in sight.
Utilization of virtual reality and augmented reality technology
The NBA is currently employing virtual and augmented reality in many of its operations. Players use these technologies to better their games or play, and teams use VR and AR technologies to strengthen fan interactions.
The overall impact of technology on the NBA cannot be overemphasized. As this digital revolution continues to evolve, the NBA will continue to undergo significant changes to improve the experience of players and fans alike.
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