Are we even going to talk about balls?

[Gameface]

The NBA got some big new balls this year. Turns out most of the players were more comfortable with the old balls.

Did the NBA need new balls? Is it sometimes better to play with new balls vs whatever old balls you've been playing with?

Will the players ever get their stroke down with these new balls? I think we all want to see these new balls drop like the old balls did, right?

So anyway... What's up with these new balls the NBA wants to shove into our face?

 

[SteakNEggs]

Guys didn't like their balls the last time they were switched but got used to the feel and touch of the new ones. They'll eventually adjust to their new balls and start hitting the hole once again.

 

[LogGrad98]

I tried playing with new balls. The kicked me off the bus.

 

[Rubashov]

The NBA got some big new balls this year. Turns out most of the players were more comfortable with the old balls.

Did the NBA need new balls? Is it sometimes better to play with new balls vs whatever old balls you've been playing with?

Will the players ever get their stroke down with these new balls? I think we all want to see these new balls drop like the old balls did, right?

So anyway... What's up with these new balls the NBA wants to shove into our face?

From what im told the new balls feel very much the same as the old ones. Some old baller veterans actually prefer the feel of the synthetic to leather. Very predictable in an around the rim. I think this whole ball issue has been beaten up out of all proportions.

 

[infection]

Guys didn't like their balls the last time they were switched but got used to the feel and touch of the new ones. They'll eventually adjust to their new balls and start hitting the hole once again.

When was it switched last?

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

It's just a new brand. They are still using leather balls. The last change years ago was to a synthetic material

For anyone who doesn't know: leather balls are firmer and take break in time. They also retain better grip through moisture (sweat)

Synthetic balls are soft and have little break in time. They have better grip when dry but can become very slick if they get sweaty and have to be wiped off

 

[jazzVA]

Guys didn't like their balls the last time they were switched but got used to the feel and touch of the new ones. They'll eventually adjust to their new balls and start hitting the hole once again.

Not exactly, they changed the cover texture of the ball a while back and the players went ape ****. The NBA switched back to the old cover material the next season. Also thanks for reminding me I’ve got 1/2 a NY Strip leftover that will work well for breakfast.

 

[jazzVA]

When was it switched last?

Looks like 2006 and then changed back the next season

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

It's just a new brand. They are still using leather balls. The last change years ago was to a synthetic material

For anyone who doesn't know: leather balls are firmer and take break in time. They also retain better grip through moisture (sweat)

Synthetic balls are soft and have little break in time. They have better grip when dry but can become very slick if they get sweaty and have to be wiped off

This is correct. If we were playing pickup and everyone felt the official ball versus the synthetic we’d all choose synthetic. They get more slick and they are softer so can get lopsided a bit easier. The official ones are surprisingly hard.

The ball they switched to years ago was a more extreme change and that one felt like an outside rubber ball. It was terrible.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

The NBA got some big new balls this year. Turns out most of the players were more comfortable with the old balls.

Did the NBA need new balls? Is it sometimes better to play with new balls vs whatever old balls you've been playing with?

Will the players ever get their stroke down with these new balls? I think we all want to see these new balls drop like the old balls did, right?

So anyway... What's up with these new balls the NBA wants to shove into our face?

Look whether your balls are old or new I have found that there is no substitute for spending time alone with them … the more time you spend with your hands on the balls the better.

 

[Elizah Huge]

Real hoopers know the Wilson Evolution is the best ball to play with.

 

[silesian]

Looks like 2006 and then changed back the next season

From my memory, I thought they changed back mid-season.