Technology’s impact on day-to-day life is undeniable, and basketball is seeing that as the sport attempts to modernize and stay current. NBA players, fans and the league itself are looking for new ways to gain an edge in their respective field to make their product as good as it possibly can be.
Instant Replay
Replay reviews of controversial calls are not quite as prevalent as they are in other sports, but basketball has a relatively effective system. The NBA started using replay in the 2002-03 season, and one of the earlier advances to the system came through adding LED light strips to the backboards that go off when the game clock strikes zero to help determine whether a player got the shot off prior to the buzzer or not.
.@PelicansNBA close the first half with the FULL COURT BUZZER BEATER! ??#NBAPlayoffs | #DoItBigger pic.twitter.com/HOzMrLHlOa
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 29, 2018
Replay reviews have advanced to other areas of the game, including determining who should be ejected after an in-game scuffle, whether a two- or three-point shot was made and which team touched the ball last before it went out of bounds.
Training
Basketball players are incredibly skilled at their sport and when you combine that with their athleticism, they can do some incredible things. Working on their game year-round is crucial, and many players will use technology to maximize their efficiency when training.
“The Gun” is one of the most popular devices basketball players will use to work on their shooting. Players no longer require a rebounder to get shots up. Instead, they can set up the basketball shooting machine to rebound and make passes for them. Many top-level players will utilize this device so they can get as many shots up as possible in an era where three-point shooting is becoming more important.
Social Media
This can be said for just about any sport, but social media has changed the way many fans consume the NBA. With a long season that really does not mean a whole lot until we get to the NBA Playoffs, the younger generation will stay in touch with the NBA product through Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to check out highlights of their favorite players instead of spending a few hours to watch the full game.
The NBA has always been one of the more digital-savvy leagues, and while it would probably like more viewers checking out their product on television for better ratings, the league embraces social media in a way no other sport does in the United States in their strategy to show the game to a younger audience.
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