The NBA tipped off its All-Star weekend with a celebrity game where influencers, NFL players, and WNBA stars attempted the sport’s first-ever eight-point shot. But hours before the game, the real “innovation” for basketball came when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Victor Wembanyama hosted the 24th annual NBA All-Star Technology Summit. The invite-only event introduced NB-AI, a new technology, as well as a “Movie Mode” feature that animates NBA games in different styles. While the technology displayed impressive visual effects, it raised questions about its purpose and practicality. Many people wonder who this technology is for and whether it adds value to the NBA game viewing experience. In addition, there are concerns about copyright issues and ethical implications. Some believe that the technology is just a gimmick for generating content rather than a legitimate utility. Furthermore, the potential impact of this technology on the NBA remains unclear.

In a separate article, it is suggested that the NFL needs a middle-class tier for quarterbacks in terms of contract negotiations. Currently, teams either rely on affordable rookie quarterback contracts to build a competitive team or shell out large sums of money to retain veteran talent. The absence of a middle-tier quarterback contract model can hinder team building and affect the overall competitiveness of the league. The article argues that creating an economic pathway for mid-tier quarterbacks to receive reasonable compensation could enable teams to build competitive rosters and make football seasons more exciting and balanced.

Despite the serious tone of these articles, the author acknowledges that sports should also include fun and entertaining elements. They mention NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s interest in adding more colored courts and emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between serious professional sports and entertaining elements.