Draymond Green Warns Adam Silver’s Latest NBA Innovation Could Turn Referees Into “Robots”

A Golden State Warriors star is raising the alarm over technology's growing influence on official decision-making. As the NBA prepares to test a new sensor-embedded smart basketball, Draymond Green fears the league's push for automated accuracy threatens to strip basketball of its natural human element.

Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Green reacted to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s plan to test a smart basketball developed by Wilson. The ball contains a small internal sensor that tracks spin, speed, and trajectory, designed to assist officials with tricky out-of-bounds rulings and goaltending calls.

However, Green warned that relying too heavily on sensors could strip officials of their instinctual role on the court. “I think more and more things like this are continuing to turn officials into robots,” Green warned, voicing concern over the league's expanding reliance on automated officiating tools.

Green emphasized that his concern isn't merely about replay checks, but about AI actively participating in live game action.

“I find this one interesting because this is AI continuing to creep into basketball," Green said. "It’s actually creeping into the actual gameplay of basketball.”

While fast-paced plays require quick, precise calls where technology could catch details human eyes miss, Green believes too much dependence on automated feedback risks making the game feel mechanical.

Silver confirmed the NBA is currently testing the ball with the potential to introduce it as early as next season, though the league has not decided which tracking features will be active during games. Green isn't the first star to question tech expansion; players and coaches have previously voiced frustration over lengthy video reviews disrupting game flow, drawing parallels to how instant replay altered final-minute dynamics.

Green's Concern: AI Creeping into Actual Gameplay

“I just think more and more things like this take away the natural element of the game of basketball,” Green explained, urging the league to weigh accuracy against fluid competition.

Referees must balance precise enforcement with the rhythm of the game. NBA commentator Bassey shared a clip of Green’s comments on X, agreeing that while tracking data can assist with clear out-of-bounds and goaltending calls, it must not replace human judgment.

As the NBA evaluates the smart basketball in test environments, the league faces a delicate balance between getting calls right and preserving the sport's organic flow.