Should Shai Be Concerned? NBA Introduces AI in Response to Flopping

Pulse Sports Team 08:22 - 28 May 2026

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the introduction of artificial intelligence to address the issue of flopping, which has become a subject of much discussion, particularly after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performances.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league MVP, has earned a reputation for drawing fouls through what some perceive as simulation. In Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against San Antonio, he scored 32 points, with a remarkable 16 coming from 17 free-throw attempts. Such instances have prompted league officials to explore technological solutions.

"We're discussing it," Silver stated. "I must emphasize there's a distinction between 'selling' contact and outright flopping, where a player attempts to deceive the officials. Sometimes, even from the stands, players fall due to contact, and if they're not misleading the referees, that's their right; it's how they've been taught."

He acknowledged that officiating can always improve and that referees sometimes fall for simulation attempts, but stressed that the league closely monitors all aspects of the game.

Automated Decisions with Technology

Silver revealed that the NBA will soon implement an artificial intelligence system, similar to tennis's "Hawk-Eye" technology, to eliminate controversies surrounding certain calls.

"When it comes to replays, we're rapidly approaching a solution. For instance, in situations where the ball goes out of bounds, the system will automatically make the call. Cameras positioned near the court will enable AI to make quick and objective decisions, removing the possibility of subjective referee judgment. For such situations, no 'challenge' will be needed, and the game will resume immediately."

However, he emphasized that the goal isn't to replace referees but to speed up the game and assist in decision-making.

"Contact is almost always present in the game. A referee's job is to assess whether that contact is of sufficient intensity for a foul. A camera cannot evaluate that. Such decisions must remain in the hands of the referees because they are on the court and have a feel for the game," Silver concluded.

Video: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing the basketball of his life: "I only care about winning, always!"

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