The NBA All-Star weekend is one of the most anticipated events in professional sports thanks to the participation of the top players around. This year, one participant flew way above the rim - an Intel drone.
Aside from the All-Star Game itself, one main reason why fans flock the arena is to get a glimpse of the high-flyers and rim-rattlers. This year's NBA Slam Dunk Contest participants included defending champion Aaron Gordon of the Orland Magic, Los Angeles Clippers big man DeAndre Jordan, Phoenix Suns undrafted rookie Derrick Jones Jr., Glenn Robinson III of the Indiana Pacers, and a drone made by Intel especially for the event.
Gordon got the idea of using a drone from his mother who happens to be an employee of Intel. The young forward's failure to connect on his first two between-the-leg dunk attempts put a damper on his performance but the Intel drone's performance was up to par. The drone gave the fans a treat by flying up while holding a ball and then releasing it as Gordon went in for the dunk. As impressive as the show was, Gordon eventually lost the crown to Robinson III.
Aside from the Intel drone cameo, technology was well-represented in the NBA All-Star festivities with virtual reality taking some of the spotlight. As a matter of fact, NextVR put the spotlight on the players and the game by broadcasting them in a way that viewers feel like they are right beside the players. The NextVR app will provide a more intimate experience as it uses multiple camera angles to capture the events in virtual reality. The VR version of the shows will be shown at night after the TNT live broadcast with the slam dunk contest, three-point, skills challenge and other activities showed last night. Fans can still get to experience the 66th All-Star Game in VR. Former San Antonio Spur and NBA champ Bruce Bowen hosts the VR broadcast.
The League started airing official games in VR this season. A total of 25 games were made available to NBA League Pass subscribers to view in VR particularly those who own Samsung Gear VR headsets. The last game to be shown in VR will be between the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks on Apr. 11, 2017.
