Say what now?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reveals the league may introduce “smart basketballs” with embedded microchips as early as 2027.
The goal is to help officials make faster, more accurate calls.
Now this could change basketball in a major way however I don’t know if it’s for the better or not.
The technology could potentially help call games in real time and help determine factors such as exactly when the ball left a player’s hand, whether it crossed the three-point line, or whether a shot beat the buzzer. Just to list a few.
So although the idea of smart basketballs with embedded microchips could make the game more accurate, but it also raises real concerns about how much technology should control the sport. As a sports fan, I’m not sold on it.
Here are 3 of my top concerns:
1. Technology failure
A sensor, connection or software error could produce incorrect data. The NBA would need a reliable backup system and clear rules for when technology disagrees with what officials see.
2. Fairness or unfairness
Would every ball perform identically? Could differences in sensor placement, weight or balance affect how the ball feels or behaves?
3. More interruptions
If every close call triggers a technology review, games could become slower rather than faster.
So overall I’m side eyeing smart basketballs. I just don’t know enough about them yet and the “cons” are “con”cerning.
What’s your thoughts?
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