The world of basketball is constantly evolving with the emergence of new technology. From self-lacing basketball shoes to adaptive ankle braces and smart basketball hoops, the game of basketball is in the midst of a transformation.
Evolution of Basketball Technology
As technology advances, so does the game of basketball. From self-lacing basketball shoes to smart hoops, basketball technology is constantly evolving. Basketball technology continues to evolve and improve, providing players and fans new and exciting ways to enjoy the game.
Wilson's airless basketballs
One of the weirdest innovations to come out in recent years, Wilson has created a futuristic basketball that is 3D printed and never gets flat. Wilson's futuristic basketball, 3D printed with holes inside like a wiffle ball, is part of the NBA's plan to make the game more accessible in places where up-and-coming players have limited access to resources, like extra basketballs and air pumps. The design isn't yet perfected and works better for indoor games because it tends to get caught in the wind when playing outdoor basketball.
Nike's self-lacing shoes
Another example of just how crazy basketball tech is getting is the self-lacing basketball shoes, first created in 2011 and modeled after the shoes from the movie "Back to the Future." These shoes were auctioned off for charity and raised 5.7 million dollars for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. In 2019 and 2020, Nike started making these shoes for basketball players, with improved durability and the same self-tying technology.
Nike's self-lacing basketball shoes were originally created for basketball players, but the technology was so impressive that they decided to recreate the shoe from Back to the Future. The shoes have since been made more durable and smaller, but the self-tying technology remains a standout feature.
The smart basketball hoop
The smart basketball hoop is another impressive addition to the game, with cameras and an AI system that analyzes performance. However, with a price tag ranging from $5,000 to $6,500, it's not accessible to everyone.
NBA Launchpad
The league's tech accelerator gives us a glimpse into the future of the league
The NBA has always been the most progressive of all the major sports leagues, and in 2022, they created NBA Launchpad, the League’s initiative to source, evaluate, and pilot emerging technologies that advance the NBA’s top basketball and business priorities. The program aims to attract talented entrepreneurs and companies that can innovate the NBA ecosystem.
Betterguards injury prevention and recovery technology
According to Hashtag Basketball’s database, which tracks the causes of the 4,000-plus times NBA players have missed games since 2010, only one injury has been a more common culprit than “sprained right ankle”: sprained left ankle. Over that time, ankle injuries cost players a cumulative 15 years’ worth of action. Ankle injuries are so prevalent in the NBA that approximately 1/4 of NBAers will suffer an ankle injury in any given season.
Ankle protection has been around for a while, but Betterguards has reimagined the ankle brace with a more sleek design that adapts to a player's movements on the court. Now, when NBA players walk, run, or cut at a normal speed, the technology allows normal freedom of movement. But when there is a sharp turn of the ankle, the product’s hydraulic walls close tightly in less than a millisecond to prevent the ankle from rolling over, just as a seat belt restricts a passenger from falling forward during a crash. The technology is so transformative in reducing ankle injuries that the NBA encourages every player to adopt the new and innovative ankle brace.
Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic was the first NBA player to adopt Betterguards' ankle brace technology full-time. According to Franz, “There’s a reason basketball players like us are embracing the minimalist approach of The BetterGuard. It’s actually much better for us to have freedom of movement in an ankle brace vs. wearing the enormous high-top shoes and bulky ankle braces people used to play in before.”
Changing the game with virtual reality
Another exciting innovation from NBA Launchpad is virtual reality technology, allowing fans to sit courtside even if they don't have an NBA team in their city. The combination of VR headsets and installed sound system technology allows fans to feel as if they are actually at the game. This same virtual reality technology has enhanced the game's accessibility for those with sight impairments and hearing loss. Using visual aids to make up for auditory challenges and vice versa allows thousands of fans to experience the game in a whole new way for the first time.
Banned innovations
Lastly, some shoes claim to make you jump higher. Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) created shoes with load and launch technology, including 10 coil springs inside the shoe to help players jump higher. While the NBA banned these shoes for providing an unfair advantage, they are still available for purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of basketball is in the midst of a fascinating technological revolution, offering both players and fans a glimpse into an exciting future for the sport. From innovative basketball designs like Wilson's airless basketballs, which aim to increase accessibility, to Nike's self-lacing shoes that merge science fiction with athletic performance, and smart basketball hoops that provide advanced analytics, the game is evolving unexpectedly.
The NBA's commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology is evident through initiatives like NBA Launchpad, which seeks to push the boundaries of innovation in the league. Technologies such as Betterguards' injury prevention and recovery gear transform player safety and performance. Virtual reality is changing how fans engage with the sport, bringing them closer to the action, and making basketball more inclusive for those with sensory impairments.
While some innovations, like shoes claiming to make players jump higher, have faced bans due to concerns about competitive fairness, they still highlight the ongoing quest for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in basketball.
As the game of basketball continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: technology is playing an increasingly significant role in shaping its future, promising to make the sport more accessible, thrilling, and immersive for everyone involved.
