Comments on: The New NBA Ball http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/ the mark cuban weblog Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:25:31 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Kelly Duffie http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25398 Kelly Duffie Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:14:58 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25398 I purchased one of the new balls at the NBA store in NYC and it just doesn't seem the same. It is slick, almost hard..It doesn't seem to want to take a shape of personality that the old ball had that just felt like an old pair of shoes. It seems with the new ball you always have a new pair of shoes on..it's just not right. Who made this decision to go to a new ball and why? I purchased one of the new balls at the NBA store in NYC and it just doesn’t seem the same. It is slick, almost hard..It doesn’t seem to want to take a shape of personality that the old ball had that just felt like an old pair of shoes. It seems with the new ball you always have a new pair of shoes on..it’s just not right. Who made this decision to go to a new ball and why?

]]> By: bob http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25397 bob Wed, 01 Nov 2006 22:46:20 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25397 Nothing bothers me more than a multi-millionaire who can't spell. Please fix your spellings of the word "weird" or use your money/influence and change the official spelling so that your way is correct. What do you think of the Molten balls? Nothing bothers me more than a multi-millionaire who can’t spell. Please fix your spellings of the word “weird” or use your money/influence and change the official spelling so that your way is correct. What do you think of the Molten balls?

]]> By: superdave http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25396 superdave Mon, 30 Oct 2006 20:28:20 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25396 1) I want to say that even though I am a Knicks fan, you are definitely my favorite owner.<br><br>2) That was probably the most fair and honest assessment of the New Ball I have read yet. I didn't realize that choosing a ball was a such a big problem. Those quibbles sound just like me and my friends when we play a pick up game, but I always figured that the expensive NBA ball was just so superior to the cheap balls we all played with that it wasn't a problem.<br><br>3) I have to disagree with you on one point. this ball may actually have a bigger tendency to curve in the air but not because the seams won't wear down. It is because the ball has fewer seams and an overall smoother surface. It is a common misconception that the seams on the baseball make it curve more, but they actually reduce the air pressure around the ball and make it curve less. The new ball probably will curve less than a worn out ball though, because a worn ball is even more smooth and rounded.<br><br>Lastly, I think changing the ball was not a great idea, but i think the NBA did it in the best way they could. I'd like to get my hands on one of those new balls when I get the chance.<br> 1) I want to say that even though I am a Knicks fan, you are definitely my favorite owner.

2) That was probably the most fair and honest assessment of the New Ball I have read yet. I didn’t realize that choosing a ball was a such a big problem. Those quibbles sound just like me and my friends when we play a pick up game, but I always figured that the expensive NBA ball was just so superior to the cheap balls we all played with that it wasn’t a problem.

3) I have to disagree with you on one point. this ball may actually have a bigger tendency to curve in the air but not because the seams won’t wear down. It is because the ball has fewer seams and an overall smoother surface. It is a common misconception that the seams on the baseball make it curve more, but they actually reduce the air pressure around the ball and make it curve less. The new ball probably will curve less than a worn out ball though, because a worn ball is even more smooth and rounded.

Lastly, I think changing the ball was not a great idea, but i think the NBA did it in the best way they could. I’d like to get my hands on one of those new balls when I get the chance.

]]> By: John Luna http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25395 John Luna Sat, 28 Oct 2006 14:55:03 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25395 Somebody once said they could play a game of pingpong with a coke bottle for a paddle. A little extreme comparison, but we adjust to whatever is required and if we have the talent for the game it won't make any difference! Somebody once said they could play a game of pingpong with a coke bottle for a paddle. A little extreme comparison, but we adjust to whatever is required and if we have the talent for the game it won’t make any difference!

]]> By: saul http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25394 saul Thu, 26 Oct 2006 15:20:31 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25394 'Balls said the Queen, if I had Two I'd be the King...the King Laughed, He Had Two (Too)' <a href="http://www.calsports1.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.calsports1.com</a><br>In other words, Balls by any other other Name are Still (NBA) Balls, and the players will have to deal with it...From your analysis, Mark, these balls don't break in well and feel new all of the time...Players will have to adjust, and they will do so... Saul <a href="http://www.calsports1.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.calsports1.com</a><br> ‘Balls said the Queen, if I had Two I’d be the King…the King Laughed, He Had Two (Too)’ http://www.calsports1.com
In other words, Balls by any other other Name are Still (NBA) Balls, and the players will have to deal with it…From your analysis, Mark, these balls don’t break in well and feel new all of the time…Players will have to adjust, and they will do so… Saul http://www.calsports1.com

]]> By: George Dokios http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25393 George Dokios Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:22:58 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25393 Just to make some corrections. The FIBA basketballs have the same size as the NBA ones, as the NCAA, ABAs etc. Actually the size of the balls around the globe is the same. Mens 29.5 inches, Womens 28.5 in circumference. The weight again is pretty much the same. Yes it can vary from brand to brand but in general it is quite close.<br>Now the new NBA game ball is an issue of leather against composite materials. The official International FIBA ball is still made of leather. They did change the design a year or two ago but it remains the same ball in principle (though in my opinion they are not as good as the older leather balls of the early 90s, maybe the quality of leather has changed or something in the construction). However, some leagues in Europe have adopted the composite version of the same Molten ball. The reason behind this decision is the same that the NBA considered on their part.<br>I do believe that a nicely broken in leather ball has something magical about it, however I understand that every leather ball feels different because of the different way it was broken in or its age. Also the composite balls are used a lot in the minor leagues (junior, college etc) and thus the younger players are more accustomed to them. To be honest the Wilson (Solution) used on the NCAA, is an excellent composite ball in my opinion and yes it needs to be broken but only for a couple of hours. Great grip and feel, and it doesn't get slippery when wet like the leather ones do.<br>In terms of consistency, the composites beat the leather balls hands down. And because not all the leather balls reach that magical level, I would prefer the standard level of performance of the composite ones.<br>Now every brand has their own synthetic ball and the differences in materials and construction between them can be huge, but I'm sure with Spaldings experience, they will provide one of the best composite balls on the market.<br>In a couple of months time, this will not be an issue anymore, and players will wonder why they didn't do it earlier... Just to make some corrections. The FIBA basketballs have the same size as the NBA ones, as the NCAA, ABAs etc. Actually the size of the balls around the globe is the same. Mens 29.5 inches, Womens 28.5 in circumference. The weight again is pretty much the same. Yes it can vary from brand to brand but in general it is quite close.
Now the new NBA game ball is an issue of leather against composite materials. The official International FIBA ball is still made of leather. They did change the design a year or two ago but it remains the same ball in principle (though in my opinion they are not as good as the older leather balls of the early 90s, maybe the quality of leather has changed or something in the construction). However, some leagues in Europe have adopted the composite version of the same Molten ball. The reason behind this decision is the same that the NBA considered on their part.
I do believe that a nicely broken in leather ball has something magical about it, however I understand that every leather ball feels different because of the different way it was broken in or its age. Also the composite balls are used a lot in the minor leagues (junior, college etc) and thus the younger players are more accustomed to them. To be honest the Wilson (Solution) used on the NCAA, is an excellent composite ball in my opinion and yes it needs to be broken but only for a couple of hours. Great grip and feel, and it doesn’t get slippery when wet like the leather ones do.
In terms of consistency, the composites beat the leather balls hands down. And because not all the leather balls reach that magical level, I would prefer the standard level of performance of the composite ones.
Now every brand has their own synthetic ball and the differences in materials and construction between them can be huge, but I’m sure with Spaldings experience, they will provide one of the best composite balls on the market.
In a couple of months time, this will not be an issue anymore, and players will wonder why they didn’t do it earlier…

]]> By: CWA http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25392 CWA Wed, 11 Oct 2006 14:19:08 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25392 <br> Mark, thanks for elaborating somewhat on the reasoning as to why these changes came to fruition ( it only took 35 years? ).<br><br> This is not like the dress code policy. Anyone worth his salt in terms of basketball will tell you playing with anything resembling an indoor/outdoor ball is horrible for ball-handling and shooter's touch -- let alone the actual elasticity of the ball and how it hits the rim, etc.<br><br> As an aside, I don't understand why someone hasn't championed a standard for all recognized mens basketball. I thought it was pretty horrible that FIBA used a smaller ball, I mean this is basketball right.. will we decide to use ping pong balls at some point for some league? As a good long-range shooter, I remember hitting a lot of 3's with a girls basketball with ease and improving accuracy with the giant balls that had the same weight as the standard mens ball. However, I think it's a shame that there's no followed standard.<br><br> I'm with the majority of the player's commentary regarding the new ball, it's a bad decision. Many of these guys are all-stars if not eventual hall of famers, I think everyone should at least give them some credit when they speak about the quality of the ball.<br><br> I'm also dismayed by the articles I've read with David Stern in regards to the new ball. He had to reference a soccer ball change to make himself 'feel better' about the new basketball decision. This guy is so far out to lunch it's painful.<br><br> Maybe it's just me, but everytime I see David Stern I think he's on the same medication as Laura Bush. Mark, thanks for elaborating somewhat on the reasoning as to why these changes came to fruition ( it only took 35 years? ).

This is not like the dress code policy. Anyone worth his salt in terms of basketball will tell you playing with anything resembling an indoor/outdoor ball is horrible for ball-handling and shooter’s touch — let alone the actual elasticity of the ball and how it hits the rim, etc.

As an aside, I don’t understand why someone hasn’t championed a standard for all recognized mens basketball. I thought it was pretty horrible that FIBA used a smaller ball, I mean this is basketball right.. will we decide to use ping pong balls at some point for some league? As a good long-range shooter, I remember hitting a lot of 3’s with a girls basketball with ease and improving accuracy with the giant balls that had the same weight as the standard mens ball. However, I think it’s a shame that there’s no followed standard.

I’m with the majority of the player’s commentary regarding the new ball, it’s a bad decision. Many of these guys are all-stars if not eventual hall of famers, I think everyone should at least give them some credit when they speak about the quality of the ball.

I’m also dismayed by the articles I’ve read with David Stern in regards to the new ball. He had to reference a soccer ball change to make himself ‘feel better’ about the new basketball decision. This guy is so far out to lunch it’s painful.

Maybe it’s just me, but everytime I see David Stern I think he’s on the same medication as Laura Bush.

]]> By: Greg Petersen http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25391 Greg Petersen Mon, 09 Oct 2006 15:52:11 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25391 Mr. Cuban, would you please talk to Donn Nelson Jr. about Ryan Forehan-Kelly. This guy could really help your team. He is a pure shooter, plays solid defense, and understands the game. He graduated from Cal in 4 years. Pure shooter. I met Donn in Jiansu, China, where Ryan was leading his team to the Championship finals. This guy has played around the world. He needs a shot. Played for you at LA Summer Pro league. Give him the league minimum. He will pay big dividends. Thanks Mr. Cuban, would you please talk to Donn Nelson Jr. about Ryan Forehan-Kelly. This guy could really help your team. He is a pure shooter, plays solid defense, and understands the game. He graduated from Cal in 4 years. Pure shooter. I met Donn in Jiansu, China, where Ryan was leading his team to the Championship finals. This guy has played around the world. He needs a shot. Played for you at LA Summer Pro league. Give him the league minimum. He will pay big dividends. Thanks

]]> By: Boris http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25390 Boris Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:56:35 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25390 I didn't even know that there was going to be a new NBA ball. The sports media didn't mention it. This could definitely affect the performance of some players. I didn’t even know that there was going to be a new NBA ball. The sports media didn’t mention it. This could definitely affect the performance of some players.

]]> By: TJP http://blogmaverick.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25388 TJP Sat, 07 Oct 2006 15:18:55 +0000 http://blogmaverick.wordpress.com/2006/10/05/the-new-nba-ball/#comment-25388 The ball changeup may help rebalance the high scoring tallies in the league. The new league that D Wade, Lebron, and Carmello play in is much softer than the days of Magic, Bird, and Jordan. I think a change in ball comfort will do more good than harm to a very nurturing NBA.<br><br>Besides, these players are so talented and so gifted to being with. The league's players will adapt quickly to the slight change in the game they all respect and love so dearly. The ball changeup may help rebalance the high scoring tallies in the league. The new league that D Wade, Lebron, and Carmello play in is much softer than the days of Magic, Bird, and Jordan. I think a change in ball comfort will do more good than harm to a very nurturing NBA.

Besides, these players are so talented and so gifted to being with. The league’s players will adapt quickly to the slight change in the game they all respect and love so dearly.

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