The NBA has made the first change to the official game ball in 35 years, and some players are not all that happy about it.
Shaquille O’Neal remarked that the ball: “feels like one of those cheap balls that you buy at the toy store, indoor-outdoor balls.” His coach, Pat Riley, backed Shaq up by saying: “I’m right with him. I think it’s horrible… It really does feel like an indoor-outdoor ball. We’ll see how it works. Maybe they’ll learn to love it, I don’t know.”
Steve Nash noted that: “I certainly won’t have to lick my fingers. The ball sticks to your hand. It’s a big transition. It’s extremely sticky.”
The new ball is a microfiber composite model, as opposed to the old fashioned leather balls of years past. The other obvious difference is the look of the ball – the original eight panels have been paired down to an interlocking set of two.
Despite the fact that many have expressed concern that the ball is too sticky and too slippery when wet, the NBA plans on going forward with the new design starting at the beginning of this season.
The new game ball will be available from Spalding (Pre-orders available) starting on October 31st. The exact price is not clear, but if previous game balls are any indicator, expect to pay over $100 to get your hands on some sticky, sticky balls.
