NBA Rule Changes

Chris Deugau

NEW YORK, 2009 (AP) - Just last week, the NBA decided to make yet another rule change in their planning toward the Future of Sports. NBA Commissioner Michael Jordan (left, shooting the last basket of his career, to win the 1998 NBA Finals) stated in a press conference in New York that now, along with the $270,000,000 NAD (North American dollar) salary cap, that several rule changes have been made to the way the NBA operates. Some of these changes are very significant.

As you remember, three years ago, the NBA allowed players to start wearing headphones to communicate with their coaches from the court, and to get play instructions. This ruling was met with mixed reactions, as low budget teams like the LA Clippers were forced to use the old technique of yelling at the players. They felt that this gave the other teams an unfair advantage (apparently not wanting to accept the fact that they can't win anyway, so the headphones wouldn't have helped). Well, the NBA has decided to change the rules again (just as the Clippers made enough to actually buy headphones), and are now allowing players to wear interactive Microsoft VR Glasses in the game. What will the VR do to help the players perform better? We asked Chris Deugau, acting CEO of Microsoft Canada, to find out.

"The VR Glasses we have created will allow the players to see the plays their coach--or the coach's assistant if the coach is computer illiterate--wants them to run. It also allows the players to communicate, through the built-in microphone, and know where to go for a pass, and still allow the plays to be kept secret from the other team. Also, it allows the players to stay up-to-date with the out-of-town scores, so they know if they need to win a game to get into the playoffs, or if they bet money on one of the other games." When asked if the VR glasses wre going to be dangerous, Deugau simply shrugged, and said, "No more distracting than cheerleaders."

Jordan also announced that all stadiums must now be equipped with mini-computers for the fans. These computers will have touch screens and keyboards, and be built right into the seats. They will allow fans to interact with each other, with the commentators, with the people watching on TV, and even with the coaches. This system will also allow them to find out more in-depth information about the players and teams during games, and the TV stations will also provide commentary and reports on the screens. Jordan hopes that this will allow the fans to have a better feel for the game, and enjoy it more. Chris Deugau and Microsoft will provide the service to the NBA, as long as the computers can only use Microsoft products, and Microsoft is mentioned at least a dozen times during each game. Netscape and other companies are planning to sue. When asked to comment on the situation, Deugau said, "The system will work fine. You can even order your food from your seat." The concession stand workers weren't impressed.

How will fans and teams react to these changes? Only time will tell. But so far, it looks like everything will work out just fine.