ESPN removed AI-generated “moving portraits” from its NBA Finals coverage after viewers criticized the images, a network resource confirmed.
The graphics debuted during Game 1 of the championship series between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs when ABC headed to a commercial break. Viewers took to social media to say the animated version of a classic photo of Spurs guard Tony Parker looked distorted and eerie.
Posts on X included comments such as “Why use AI when they literally have the pictures?” and “As soon as I saw this last night I was like is that supposed to be Tony Parker bc who the f— is that guy,” according to the social media thread.
ESPN also used the technology to animate images of Bill Russell and Kobe Bryant. The moving portraits were absent during Game 2 and will not return for the remainder of the NBA Finals, the network source said, adding that management is evaluating whether to use the technology in future broadcasts.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
