Houston Rockets center Steven Adams believes that the release of GTA 6 could significantly distract professional athletes and coaches, making it difficult for them to focus on their work. According to him, player performance in the NBA, NFL, and other leagues may decline this November.
"You'd better be ready for November. The data across the entire league, for every team. GTA is coming out. Look at the NFL, look at all the leagues, and you'll see a collective decline," Adams stated.
The basketball player added that the issue might not only affect players; coaches and scouts could also become addicted to the game. In his view, things should return to normal by December—by which time most players should have finished GTA 6.
Jokes about video games affecting professional sports are nothing new. For instance, fans previously linked NFL quarterback Kyler Murray's performance slump to the release of a new Call of Duty title. Now, according to Adams, the sheer scale of GTA 6 means similar situations could affect even more athletes.
Meanwhile, another NBA-related news item has emerged: the "Welcome to Vice City" sign has been completed near the Miami Heat's arena. Reportedly, its installation cost around $975,000, and the structure will remain on the arena roof until at least the end of the year or the conclusion of the team's home season.