Technology in the NBA
This year’s semifinal playoffs have been a total blast, yet I can’t help thinking a couple things that would make the NBA more accurate when officiating. Technology … the proper use of technology would go a long way in making the game fairer. Technology shouldn’t hinder the game. Technology shouldn’t slow the pace of the game … that is what is so exciting about basketball. With that said, there are two technologies in particular that I would like to see implemented.
Instant replays. Yes I know they already use instant replays in some instances such as game winning shots or to check if a foot was on the three point line. However, it is not used enough. Potentially dangerous plays are not called on the spot and have been missed many times. Some game changing fouls and no-calls have been made that on a close game can mean the difference between winning and losing. However, replays should be used at the discretion of the officiating crew. The NBA does not need American football style challenges. Remember, we don’t want to change the way the game is played, just make calls more accurate and the players safer. There are many times during a game that the officials consult each other on a given call … why not consult the sidelines as they would do on a potential game winning shot?
Accelerometers. They have it on the iPhone and pretty much every modern smartphone. It is not too far fetched for Spalding to stick a secure wireless accelerometer in their ball to tell the sideline crew the position of the ball. It would be great on goaltending calls. Two points here and there may not sound much, but when games are decided by one or two points, it makes all the difference.
Officials and their calls wrong or right are a big part of any basketball game. That shouldn’t change … but officials shouldn’t decide the outcome of games. // end rant
