NBA fans have long been clamoring for a solution to drawn-out replay reviews, and the league is set to implement a technological innovation that may answer their pleas.
“Beginning with tomorrow's games, NBA referees will use headsets to communicate in real time with the NBA Replay Center and one another,” the NBA Communications X account announced on Friday. “The new communication system is designed to improve game flow and enhance officiating accuracy.”
Officials take several minutes to discuss a crucial possession or foul call, thereby draining the game's momentum as well as fan interest. If this system is a success, people would remain engaged in the action and less likely to flip the channel. Unfortunately, the NBA does not currently inspire the level of trust that one usually needs to enact such a plan.
Following the FBI's high-profile investigation into an illegal gambling scandal, which includes Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former player and assistant Damon Jones, the idea of refs having a direct line of communication to Secaucus, New Jersey is going to unsettle some people. The masses covet transparency, especially when the integrity of the game is being questioned.
However, officials will resent the implication that they require their conversations with the replay center to be recorded. After all, no refs were named in either of the FBI's most recent indictments. They will claim that the Tim Donaghy days are over. Although fans obviously want lucidity when it comes to reviews, perhaps this development will lead to a more fluid and presentable product.
Patience is quite thin in modern society, so an efficient and accurate replay review method would probably go a long way with the NBA's younger audience. Viewers will certainly not hesitate to share their opinions.
