| "It's like brussel sprouts.
No one likes it." - Gregg Popovich, on the new ball.
As you may, or may not have already heard, the NBA has introduced
a new game ball. This marks the first change to the ball in
over 35 years, and only the second in 60 seasons. Almost every
NBA player has voiced his opinion on the sticky, controversial
ball.
"Feels like one of those cheap balls that you buy at
the toy store." - Shaquille O'Neal, on the new ball.
The material of the ball is a micro fiber composite with
moisture management, that provides superior grip and feel
throughout the course of a game. So, what's with all the negativity
surrounding the new ball? Sure, the players need some time
to adjust to the ball, but whining isn't going to help. These
guys are millionaires, they should be grateful for being in
the NBA!
"I don't have a problem with it," said Morris
Peterson. "You've just got to get used to it. A ball
is a ball, I've played with worse balls, I've played with
balls with no leather on them, I grew up playing with everything.
I don't care what kind of basketball, if we played with a
volleyball I'd be happy."
Finally, someone who doesn't need some sense slapped into
him. The fans don't care what ball the NBA uses, and neither
should the players.
The NBA players' association filed an unfair labor practice
charge against the NBA over issues with the new ball.
Hasn't this issue gone too far? Unfair labor!? That's ridiculous!
The players should quit complaining. They don't have the right
to criticize the league or the league's management. In fact,
it sounds like a very good ball. It has better grip and consistency,
and because of the moisture management, the ball can be used
indoors and outdoors. But, most importantly, it works.
"The new ball means adjustments, but then again, so
does every change made in the game. It doesn't matter if it's
the ball, the rules, the dress code. A business that doesn't
evolve to meet the demands of their customers, doesn't excel."
I agree with Mark Cuban completely on that one. Also, if the
NBA were to switch back to the leather ball, we could probably
expect another lockout. It's too late to switch back, because
that would just create more hassles.
The league's management feels that the ball's grip is superior,
while the players feel otherwise. The referees have been keeping
the game balls dry, by switching out the wet ones, which is
a great idea, but there's more work that can be done on the
league's part. Mark Cuban posted several conclusions on his
internet blog:
- Make sure NBA floors are consistent, with no "dead
spots."
- Dry the balls. Switch out wet balls.
- Keep the balls clean.
- Change the embossing and layout on the ball for next season
(because of the "erratic bounce" in the new balls.)
Improving the new ball is next on the NBA's to-do list.
- Djuka Vujcic (divac12)
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