Finally, a chance to be LeBron James. Or as close as we’ll ever get.
The NBA has launched an impressive new app feature where regular, non-record breaking, non-four-time MVP-winning fans can scan their own avatar and replace players in live games.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver demonstrated the new technology at the All-Star Tech Summit in Salt Lake City, using former NFL wide receiver and veteran broadcaster Ahmad Rashad to do so.
Starting with a simple scan of Rashad by walking around the 73-year-old on stage, his digital likeness was uploaded to the NBA app and included as an overlay option.
With any player on court able to be ‘inhabited’ by Rashad’s avatar, Silver overlaid it on Utah’s Talen Horton-Tucker.
The result within seconds is Rashad replacing the Jazz’s small forward and promptly throwing down a slam dunk against the LA Lakers in civvies and all.
Ahmad Rashad digitally enters a live NBA gameCredit:Sydney Morning Herald
Rashad was left speechless as he watched replays of his likeness soaring over a Lakers opponent and celebrating accordingly, with Horton-Tucker’s chest bumps, tongue wags and all.
The two-minute demonstration really needs to be seen to be believed with the digital version of Rashad not all that unrealistic.
The NBA’s press release for the new technology does not include a release date for the app feature. But it does also mention “the ability to transport the game to virtual locations”. NBA play-offs in outer space anyone?
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