The NBA is no stranger to the use of artificial intelligence (AI). It has been a key tool for generating real-time highlights, assisting referees, translating play-by-play into multiple languages, and enhancing the league’s official app. Now, the NBA has unveiled NB-AI, a new technology that promises to revolutionize the live game viewing experience.
Commissioner Adam Silver showcased the capabilities of NB-AI during the annual All-Star tech summit. The technology takes actual NBA game clips and transforms them into something reminiscent of a Spider-Man movie. According to Silver, AI is generating the same level of excitement that the internet did in its early days. However, the question remains - how will AI change our lives?
To give attendees a glimpse of what’s to come, San Antonio rookie and top draft pick Victor Wembanyama had the opportunity to experience the new technology during a rehearsal for the tech summit. Wembanyama was impressed, stating, “It’s incredible. It’s still in the early days. Only the future will say what it will look like.”
In addition to the NB-AI unveiling, the NBA also announced the lineup for the Slam Dunk Contest. Mac McClung, last year’s winner, is hoping to join a prestigious group of back-to-back champions that includes Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, Nate Robinson, and Zach LaVine. He will face off against Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Jaime Jaquez Jr. of the Miami Heat, and Jacob Toppin of the New York Knicks.
McClung admitted to feeling more nervous this time around, but he is reminding himself to have fun with it. As for his plans for the contest, he didn’t give much away, except to suggest paying close attention to the replays. Winning the dunk contest last year brought significant changes to McClung’s life. He mentioned that going to airports and restaurants is a little different now, but overall, it has been a positive experience.
Jaylen Brown’s participation in the dunk contest as an All-Star player is noteworthy, as it has been a while since a top player in the league took part in the event. San Antonio forward Jeremy Sochan believes Brown’s involvement could spark a resurgence of All-Stars and top players participating in the dunk contest.
The NBA has also introduced Oklahoma City forward Chet Holmgren, who missed every game last season, to the Rising Stars event. Holmgren expressed his gratitude for being able to participate and emphasized the importance of not taking anything for granted.
While most of the rising stars playing in Friday’s game are All-Star weekend rookies, one player stands out as the most experienced. Scoot Henderson, a 20-year-old rookie from the Portland Trail Blazers, has played in the G League Elite for the past two years. This year marks his third appearance in the Rising Stars event, and he may even return for an unprecedented fourth time next year.
The excitement isn’t limited to the NBA; the WNBA draft also holds high anticipation. If Caitlin Clark, the NCAA all-time Division I women’s scoring leader, enters the draft this year, there is a possibility she could end up with the Indiana Fever as the number one overall pick. Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin expressed his excitement about the prospect of Clark joining the team, recognizing her talent and the potential impact she could make.
All-Star weekend isn’t just for the players; some referees also receive invitations to be part of the events. The NBA has selected Tony Brothers, Josh Tiven, and Derrick Collins as the officiating crew for the All-Star Game on Sunday. The expectation is that they won’t have much to do, given last year’s low foul count. Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum were the only players to attempt free throws.
In summary, the NBA continues to push boundaries with the introduction of NB-AI, a technology that aims to revolutionize the live game viewing experience. Alongside this exciting advancement, fans can look forward to an intense Slam Dunk Contest and the debut of promising young players in the Rising Stars event. The potential addition of Caitlin Clark to the WNBA further adds to the anticipation, while referees will join the festivities to ensure a smooth and fair All-Star weekend.
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