Tech and its Effects on the NBA

[by Nikhil Budhdev]

A ball, two baskets and a court. How much simpler can a sport get? The simplicity of basketball was what made its popularity skyrocket in its early days, when it was introduced. It flourished, crossing the world, irrespective of class and income strata as it requires barely any equipment. However, NBA basketball has been altered throughout the years by various kinds of technology. Here are a few of the main tech advancements in the NBA:

1. The Shot Clock: The shot clock added in 1954 has changed the game like never before. The high scoring duels of today’s NBA games wouldn’t have been possible without it. The lowest scoring game before the shot clock was 19-18, where the Fort Wayne Pistons beat the Minneapolis Lakers. Today, the lowest score with the shot clock stands at 62-57. Before, you could hold the ball for as long as you wished, there was nothing that prevented you from having a time limit at an attempt at the basket. Now, less than half a minute of keep-away costs you a turnover.

2. Basketball shoes: From the 20’s until the 1990’s Nike wasn’t the king of basketball shoes, believe it or not, it was Converse! During those days there were no Nikes. These Converse shoes were sneakers with rubber soles called Chuck Taylor All-Stars, named after a famous baller in the 20’s. In the 1978 an upcoming shoe company called Blue Ribbon Sports changed its name to Nike. In 1982 Nike erupted with its all-white Nike Air Force 1s which were an instant hit and took Nike to its zenith in the basketball world. Air Jordan endorsed by Michael Jordan blew the basketball world! Since they were not white and sported the colours of the Chicago Bulls, the NBA banned them at first. Jordan wore them anyway, and got a $5000 fine per game, which Nike paid.

3. Officiating: Television replays, backboard lights, sensors or referee whistles to stop the game and shot clocks are all amazing new add-ons that tech has provided the NBA. Making every shot more precisely reviewed in case of fouls or buzzers. TV replays that change the decisions which lead to awe-inspiring games and backboard lights for when the shot clock expires are merely the tip of the iceberg. With tech improving at this speed, there will be new ways of accurately refereeing games and getting closer looks at amazing play-throughs very soon.

These are some of the numerous tech advancements made since the birth of basketball. It’s for you to decide if these expansions have improved the game or not.