NBA Commissioner Says League Will Automate Some Replay Calls

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league will move toward an AI-automated officiating system for selected replay calls. " He described a setup in which cameras positioned around the court would make instantaneous decisions on plays such as out-of-bounds violations.

"I think in terms of replay, we’re going to get to the point fairly quickly where, for example, on out-of-bounds plays ... those kinds of calls will become automatic," Silver said.

Silver stated that the automated system would cover an entire category of objective calls. He added that the technology would eliminate delays caused by current replay reviews. "We’re going to move to a system like that where that whole category of calls will be automated," Silver said.

"Those calls will be handled by an AI automated system with cameras lined around the court. " Silver also addressed criticism of foul-baiting and flopping. He distinguished between selling contact and committing a true flop, noting that contact occurs on many plays without resulting in a foul.

"I would only say there’s a difference between selling a call, exaggeration, and a true flop," Silver said. " "I think technology is really going to be helpful here," he added.