Want to know what it's like handling the new regulation NBA ball?
As you may, or may not have already heard, the
league has introduced a new official ball. This marks the
first change to the ball in over 35 years, and only the second
in 60 seasons. Almost every NBA player has voiced his opinion on the sticky,
controversial ball.
"Feels like one of those cheap balls that you buy at the toy store."
- Shaquille O'Neal, on the new ball.
The material of the ball is a micro fiber composite
with moisture management that provides a better-quality grip and
feel throughout the course of a matchup. So, what's with all the negativity
surrounding the new ball? Sure, the players need some time to adjust to the
ball, but whining isn't going to help. These guys are millionaires, they should
be grateful for being in the NBA!
"I don't have a problem with it," said Morris Peterson. "You've
just got to get used to it. A ball is
a ball, I've played with worse balls, I've played with balls with no leather
on them, I grew up playing with everything. I don't care what kind of basketball,
if we played with a volleyball I'd be happy."
Finally someone who doesn't need some sense slapped into him. The fans don't
care what ball the NBA uses, and neither should the players.
If NBA players really wanted to have a ball that felt more like a playground
ball, why not change the court to cement? Why not change the nets to metal?
It's the only next reasonable step to make the game seem more like streetball.
What happened to the Stone Age phrase of "If it ain't broke, don't fit
it." Leather balls are still being used on the high school and collegiate
level. Adjusting back to playing with a playground ball is going to take
a lot of time.
Hasn't this issue gone too far?
Unfair labor!? That's ridiculous! The basketball
players should quit being unreasonable. They don't have the right
to criticize the league or the league's management. It actually seems like a good ball. It has better grip and
consistency, and because of the moisture management, the ball can
be used indoors and outdoors. You can
get a hold of the basketball much better with this new ball. But most
importantly, it works.
"The new ball means adjustments, but then again, so does every change
made in the game. It doesn't matter if it's the ball, the rules, the dress code.
A business that doesn't evolve to meet the demands of their customers, doesn't
excel", said Mark Cuban completely on that one. Also, if the National
Basketball League were to switch back to the leather ball,
we could most likely expect another lockout. It's too late to go
back, because that would just create more problems.
The NBA's management feels that the ball's grip is better, while the players
feel otherwise. The refs have been keeping the game balls dry, by switching
out the wet ones, which is a great idea, but there's more work that can be done
on the league's part. Mark Cuban posted several conclusions on his Internet
blog:
- Make sure NBA floors are consistent, with no "dead spots."
- Change the grooves and embossing on the ball for next season (there is an
"erratic bounce" in the new basketballs.)
- Dry the balls. Switch out wet balls.
- Keep the balls clean.
Improving the new ball is next on the NBA's to-do list.
