Victor Wembanyama has already taken his skills to the next level in the NBA. Slowly and steadily he is showcasing why he was the No. 1 draft pick this year. His popularity is such that it did not stop the league from using Wembanyama to introduce their new technologies. Adam Silver turned Victor Wembanyama into longtime NBA presenter Ahmad Rashad using their latest AI technology, christened NB-AI.
Wembanyama joined Commissioner Silver and Rashad on the stage to introduce the new AI technologies the NBA had developed. The NBA wants to use technology to increase the viewership experience for everyone in the arena as well as at home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssaepi42eh8
Silver wanted to showcase the prowess of the technology by showing a live conversion. He asked Wembanyama to stand facing straight to the audience. Instantly, the AI projection screen showed Ahmad Rashad‘s face but on Wembanyama’s body.
This stunning and quick transformation was met with applause from the audience. Technological companies have showcased the use of AI to morph before. But for a sports league to do so and that too live in front of the audience was a first ever. This was met with appreciation.
Even Rashad could not believe what was happening. After all, seeing his face seemingly morphed with the body of the 7’4″ San Antonio Spurs rookie was unexpected. What was interesting is that, generally when faces are morphed, they take the skin color of the original face. But here, the skin color matched that of Wembanyama with the facial features of Rashad.
Adam Silver showcased the NBA’s technology with another Victor Wembanyama request
Adam Silver is tasked with taking the NBA to new heights. With reports of his contract being extended to 2030, Silver has to do a lot more to increase the reach and revenues of the sport. Today, he showcased the new technologies the NBA is bringing in. He used a request from Victor Wembanyama to showcase another new interesting feature.
Victor Wembanyama’s soaring popularity is being used by the league in every possible way (image via Open Source/X)Wembanyama asked Silver if the NB-AI can show an NBA game as if it is a Spider-Man movie. Silver asked the NB-AI to show the Indiana Pacers last game in the Spider-Man format and it displayed a play in those visuals.
The league is going to use technology to improve the audience experience. And Adam Silver had Victor Wembanyama to help him showcase that.
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