Why Did the NBA Change the Ball?

The NBA has changed the ball before, but why? And how did it affect the game?

The old ball

The NBA ball used during the past several seasons had much more grip than the new one and players were complaining about it. The ball was changed in order to make the game more exciting.

Why it was changed

In the fall of 2006, the NBA announced it would change the official game ball from a leather ball to a composite one. The Finals had just ended, and Spurs guard Bruce Bowen had just been crowned champion along with his teammates.

The switch to a synthetic ball caused quite a stir among players. Some loved it, some hated it. Now, more than 10 years later, the new ball is here to stay. But why did the NBA switch?

It’s simple, really. The league wanted to provide a better product for its fans — one that was more consistent and easier to shoot. In other words, they wanted to increase scoring.

But why not just change the size of the hoop or move it back?

The league had already made those changes in an effort to increase scoring, but they weren’t enough. The average points per game in the 2006-2007 season was 96.3, down from 97.6 the year before. Something else needed to be done, and that something was a new ball.

The new ball

On June 28, 2017, the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approved a rule change that will see the league use a new official game ball, beginning with the 2017-18 season. The new ball, which has been developed in partnership with sports equipment manufacturer Wilson, is said to offer a number of advantages over the old ball. In this article, we’ll take a look at what those advantages are.

What it’s made of

Basketballs used in the NBA are made by Spalding and have a circumference of 29.5 inches, which is a little larger than a women’s basketball, which has a circumference of 28.5 inches. The NBA ball is made of leather and has an inner rubber bladder that helps keep its shape. It is inflated to a pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 pounds per square inch.

What it does

The new ball is designed to provide a more consistent bounce and feel, and to help shooters maintain better control during dribbling and shooting. Many players have complained that the old ball was too slippery, making it difficult to shoot accurately. The new ball is also supposed to be more durable, so that it doesn’t get as dirty or scuffed up during games.

The players’ reaction

How they feel about the change

Many NBA players have voiced their displeasure with the new basketball, saying that it is too slippery and difficult to grip. Some players have even nicknamed it the “rock” because it is so hard. Many players believe that the new ball is causing more turnovers and missed shots, and that it is making the game less fun to play.

The fans’ reaction

The NBA’s decision to change the ball was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some were okay with it, while others were not. The main reason for the change was that the old ball was not as durable as the new one. The new ball is made of synthetic leather, which is said to be more durable and have a better grip.

How they feel about the change

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been using a leather basketball since its inception in 1946. In 2006, the NBA and Spalding introduced a synthetic microfiber basketball, which was met with mixed reactions from players. In an effort to address the complaints about the new ball, the NBA reverted back to the leather ball for the 2007-08 season. However, after using the leather ball for two seasons, the NBA once again changed balls, this time to a composite material.

The reactions from players to the changes in the ball have been interesting to follow. Some players have embraced the change, while others have been vocal in their displeasure. As one player told reporters, “It’s like playing with a bar of soap.”

It will be interesting to see how players react to this latest change in the basketball. Will they finally get used to it? Or will they continue to voice their displeasure? Only time will tell.