If you are a sports fan, you may have noticed that technology has impacted the NBA in a big way. Among the changes are wearable technology, sensors, and artificial intelligence. It can be difficult to keep up with the innovations, but these changes are important to the game.
Sensors
Technology has had a huge impact on the NBA. It has changed the way people watch the game and play. Several teams have adopted wearables and other technologies for better performance. This is just the beginning.
Technology has helped coaches improve the team’s strategies and lineups. Coaches can use technology to gather player information and analyze the data for a better understanding of opponents. They can then plan strategies from a distance. In addition, technology helps players hone in on weak areas in the game. These advances also help fans to follow their favorite teams wherever they go.
The NBA has been particularly open to new initiatives. Currently, they have an agreement with Los Angeles-based Second Spectrum to study wearable technology. While there are no plans to put the devices on the players during games, it is possible that wearables could be used during practices.
Several NBA teams have been using on-court sensors to track their players’ performance. These devices measure player speed, leaping height, direction and acceleration. Their data is then used to identify talent and develop new techniques.
Wearable technology
The NBA has been a slow adopter of wearable technology, but it’s already making a difference. Not only can it help players stay healthy, but it can also help coaches make better decisions about their players. With 217 games lost to injuries over the past five seasons, the league could be well-served by wearables.
In addition to using pulse oximeters and smart wristbands, many players use a smart ring that measures their heart rate and activity level. It even records their skin temperature. Some of the biggest stars in the game have also begun to wear the devices.
Wearable technology has been around the NBA for several seasons. But, like most sports, there’s still a lot of work to be done before wearables are approved during games. That’s why the NBA Players Association has been working on a validation program.
If wearables are approved, teams will be able to fit players with the devices during games, which would require union approval. Teams can then monitor player activity, fatigue, and other important factors. This information could eventually help the league minimize the number of injuries and improve the quality of play for viewers.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is already changing the way the pros play basketball. It is providing action-oriented information about the biomechanics of movement. However, its impact outside of professional basketball is still relatively unknown.
Although basketball remains a team sport, coaches are now using technology to influence decisions. From game planning to training, AI-dependent technologies are helping officials and teams make better decisions.
One example is the Society of HPC Professionals’ artificial referee. This technology would use a machine learning algorithm to call fouls automatically.
Artificial intelligence can also be used to help identify and select players. Using video data and player stats, predictive models can be used to predict performance. The findings can help teams mitigate injuries, find new talent, and more.
NBA teams have started to turn to artificial intelligence to influence their decisions. For instance, the Atlanta Hawks are trying to obtain more granular player data from college and high school teams.
Machine learning is the latest chapter in the analytics revolution. It is using an unprecedented flood of data to perform analysis. These models have allowed coaches to accurately predict player performance. Those who adopt machine learning quickly gain an edge.
Social media
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most progressive sports leagues when it comes to fan engagement. Teams use social media to provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s activities. They also promote upcoming games and create contests for fans to participate in.
A recent Hashtag Sports Conference hosted a panel of leading NBA social media voices to discuss the importance of digital storytelling. Panelists included Becca Genecov, social media manager for the Dallas Mavericks; Kevin Estevez, NBA’s digital content strategist; Kliff Kingsbury, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals; and Cedric Brown, director of digital programs for the Miami Heat.
Social media has helped players connect with fans, and it has made it easier for the NBA to promote upcoming games and recruit players. This also means that players have a greater opportunity to be endorsed and earn more money.
It is important for players to optimize their social presence, because they can generate a stronger brand, which can lead to more opportunities with the NBA. Players can engage with their fans, and it’s a great way to build trust and relationships.
