ESPN Under Fire For Using AI-Generated Image During NBA Finals

If you were paying close attention to Game 1 of the NBA Finals, you may have noticed that ESPN made an inexcusable mistake.

The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Finals thanks to a gutsy performance from Jalen Brunson. He had 30 points in front of a hostile crowd at Frost Bank Center, with 13 of his points coming in the fourth quarter.

As ESPN was cutting to a commercial break, NBA fans noticed that an AI-generated image of Spurs legend Tony Parker was displayed on the screen.

ESPN showed a photo of Parker, a six-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, smiling after winning a title. For some ridiculous reason, the Worldwide Leader In Sports didn't use the real image of Parker.

Basketball fans weren't pleased with ESPN's decision.

Media members and NBA fans voiced their displeasure over this AI-generated image of Parker.

"Could ESPN really not find a genuine shot of Tony Parker as they cut to an ad break? Just had to use AI," Jon Healy of ABC News said.

"AI sucks," WFLA sports anchor Jeff Dubrof commented. "This isn't Tony Parker. Do better. Gross."

"Was curious who that was supposed to be. There was simply no reason to AI Tony Parker up like that," Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints wrote.

"Does know Tony Parker has 4 rings in real life and they don't need to use AI," one fan commented.

"AI is lazy. I love when this stuff is so bad that we can all agree," another fan said. "Just put an actual photo of Tony Parker winning stuff on the screen."

We'd have to imagine ESPN will avoid using AI-generated content for the rest this series.

ABC will televise Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 12:56 PM.