NBA Introduces New Game Ball (picture) first in 35 years

[JoshW]

The National Basketball Association has announced an improved Official Game Ball that will debut in the 2006-07 NBA basketball season, the first time the official ball has been changed in 35 years and only the second time in 60 seasons. Instead of the traditional eight panels of leather sewn together, now it's constructed of two interlocking cross-shaped panels of microfiber composite material, which doesn't need the break-in period needed by currently-used leather balls.

Spalding says its "Cross Traxxion" technology makes the ball easier to grip, more consistent from ball to ball than the old leather style, and also better able to resist moisture buildup. The $100 high-tech ball will be available online at the beginning of the NBA basketball season in October. A basketball for $100?

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/nba-rolls-out-updated-official-basketball-184654.php

[onlooker]

Very interesting.

Lets see if it screws with any of the players shot. Im sure some of them will blame the ball if they have a bad year shooting it.

[Dark Horse]

The new soccer ball was no great success at the WC. It too had fewer panels. I don't think I've ever seen so many free kicks fly over the goal or so many crosses overshoot their target.

The reduced moisture buildup may be a good thing, though. Nash likes to share the ball. Now he can lick his hands without sharing too much.

[Mudcat]

Oh my god, it's magnificent!!!

Seriously, I dunno. It's a ball.

[bigboydan]

a ball is a ball.

this is no different than every team out there changing there uniforms all the time. it's all about marketing/sales.

[not mofome]

a ball is a ball.

[Illusion]

I highly doubt the change effects the players, but $100 for a damn ball is a bit extreme.

[onlooker]

I agree a ball is a ball.

But it could have a psychological effect on a few players.

"Im in a shooting slump....its all because of this new ball." Said Kobe Bryant as the Lakers lose their 20th in a row.

[BuddyBear]

Looks a lot like the old ball

[adriano]

I think the new ball is even more uglier than the WCUP ball.

Bring back the old one.

[moses millsap]

Go suck a dick, you greedy bastard, Stern.

[diamond]

a ball is a ball.

this is no different than every team out there changing there uniforms all the time. it's all about marketing/sales.

I dont really agree, not with soccer balls at least. I remember some years ago when Mitre was the sponsor of FA Premier League and introduced this new ball. It was just crazy. When you made a shot, it made it really difficult for the goalie, as the balls direction changed so much in the air. Never seen anything like it, and I remember buying it, I id for some days really think I could make it into the world cup myself

But yeah looks like they failed this year with the ball, as the purpose was to get more goals. Instead we are seeing a world cup bad as Italy 1990. If Ronaldinho cant score on a freekick, who can?

[Bill Dozer]

Anyone who has played knows that the two spots on the ball where the seams come together are to be avoided when shooting. Some shooters don't care but others try to dribble with their fingers on the seams so the hand is in the right spot when they shoot. It's kind of like the bad part of the bat.

I'm guessing FG% goes up this year. Anyone offering that prop?

[JoshW]

I am sure they have had players test this ball?? would be crazy to introduce without feedback, but I imagine will still be lot of comments from players next year over it