David Stern has retired as the commissioner of the NBA after 30 years in office.
Since taking the position in 1984 Stern has helped to drastically expand the league’s presence and marketability to a global scale. These expansions include, but are limited to, the creation of the WNBA in 1997, the NBA Development League, the opportunity for games to be played in London, and international activity. The NBA has also seen an increase in league revenue ($165 M to $5.5 B), average player salary ($290,000 to $5.7 M), annual national TV deal ($28.5 M to $937 M), merchandise sales ($35 M to $3 B), countries airing games (2 to 215), and the number of franchises (from 23 to 30).
One of biggest tactics Stern used to advance the league from a global business and branding perspective was using technology that was ahead of its time.
Here’s a look at three technical advancements that have impacted the NBA during Stern’s reign and shall continue to do so.
2002 – Instant Replay
Although you can complain that instant replay does more harm than good by slowing down the action, there’s no denying that it has its advantages when the officials get it right. Instant replay uses high-tech cameras surrounding the court to record action from different angles. In the event that a play needs to be reviewed the officials are able to replay it using monitors at the scorer’s table that are synchronized with various cameras.
The ability to slow down the speed and increase the focus on a specific area are the variables that help the officials get the call right. Which is ultimately most important.
The use ofinstant replay was embedded into the NBA culture following the 2002 NBA postseason. Per Stu Jackson, the NBA’s senior vice president for basketball operations at the time:
”As we saw last season, last-second plays sometimes occur in which it is impossible for a human being to determine whether the play took place before time expired.”
This was especially true in Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings. Following the contest it was determined that a first quarter buzzing beater 3-pointer by the Lakers’ Samaki Walker was made after time expired and should not have counted. The Lakers ended up winning the game 100-99 and tying the series at 2-2. The mishap cost the Kings the game and arguably the series.
Whether it concerns a made field goal, a foul, an altercation, technical difficulties, etc., the league is in more control in regards to getting the call right. Still, officials sometimes get it wrong!
2009 – Mobile and Online Streaming
The awesomeness of the NBA is too much to leave at home. Take it on the go! The use of mobile and online streaming allows for the NBA fanatic to be only a click away from the action.
Beginning in the 2009-2010 season, Turner Sports announced the launch of an Apple iPhone and Google Android app, NBA League Pass Mobile, that would allow subscribes to watch over 40 out of market games per week. The mobile feature was an addition to NBA League Pass and now allows for various digital viewing mediums: TV, computer, mobile, tablet, gaming console, etc. The use of mobile and online streaming ties in to fans’ demand for news 24/7.
“It’s important for us to get our content in front of as many fans as possible,” said Bryan Perez, senior vice president of NBA Digital.
These digital options for fans are crucial as the NBA is expanding internally and externally. As the league continues to get more competitive, fans are looking for new ways to experience the action.
2010 – SportVU Player-Tracking Technology From STATS
SportVU is one of the newer sports technological advances in recent years.
SportVU works as six strategically placed computer-vision cameras surround the rafters of each NBA arena. The data collected is then transmitted to STATS to later be categorized. The system collects data at a rate of 25 times per second and monitors player’s distance, speed, and the relation to the ball. The new system can assist coaching personnel in scouting opponents and understanding player tendencies. It gives an advantage in rebounding by predicting where a ball will likely land depending on where it was shot from. In the pick-and-roll, SportVU could indicate how much pressure should be applied to the ball handler and whether or not he has a successful reputation with the screener.
The fatigue metrics are helpful in monitoring a player’s energy and how it impacts his game. Players are competitive and want to play as long as possible, however, teams have to be smart in how they distribute minutes. The metric should be able to indicate how much energy is being exerted with every minute a player is on the court and allow coaching staffs to make substitutions when they see fit.
The data collected also indicates the number of touches a player gets and his point production per possession; helpful for determining the main offensive options and making defensive adjustments for slowing an opposing player. Also, the system looks at passing by monitoring how many passes a player makes per game, secondary assists, and assists leading to free-throws; useful for knowing who the best passers are and looking to make them scorers rather than facilitators.
SportVU is already changing the way the game is viewed. As teams get accustomed to the new system and players are able to decrypt the data collected, it could make the NBA more competitive. With every organization having access to the most advanced statistics and tendencies of the opposition, the truly best teams will be those with the right coaching staff and players who can adjust.
The teams that are skilled in understanding SportVU will be better prepared to compete.
The NBA is now in the hands of Adam Silver. With these technical advances in place and further innovations in the works, such as Google Glass, the league shall only continue to grow in its player-spectator relationship. Stern is retired and now has the freedom to kick his feet up and make some guest appearances on late night talk shows, just as he did on The Late Show with David Letterman.
All in all, game-changing revolutions have been made during the 30 years David Stern has been in office. Although it has not always been flowers and roses, Stern has fought through the adversity to establish himself as arguably the greatest commissioner (former) through all four major sports. I wish him well.
Thank you David Stern!