Is it true the NBA will change basketballs this season, if so what kind?

Answer 1

Yep, and the players hate it:

Spalding, the official supplier of basketballs to the league, is playing defense because of its introduction of a microfiber composite ball in place of the traditional leather, the first significant change to the ball in 35 years. Players, however, say the ball is too sticky when dry and too slick when wet. Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal said the new ball is just plain "terrible."

"For the athletes, it's all about consistency," said Mike May, a spokesman for the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association, which represents Spalding and other top manufacturers. "You want to know the ball is the same every time."

That consistency is exactly what Spalding was seeking when it went to the new ball. The synthetic surface is more durable and less prone to warping than leather is, company officials said. The Women's National Basketball Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and high schools all abandoned leather for synthetic basketballs years ago.

The move away from leather also pleased animal rights groups. Spalding, which has five years remaining on a $125 million contract with the NBA, said the switch was motivated only by a desire to produce the best-quality ball.

Answer 2

Yes, the NBA is changing balls this year. This year they will use footballs... Joking! actually the league is useing new balls this year and a lot of players hate it because they say it is sticky when dry and when it gets wet it becomes slippery and hard to grip. Shaq said that "The one who came up with this new ball should loose his job."

Answer 3

You're a little late they used the new ball during the preseason. It only has two pieces and is not leather. Players are already complaining.

Answer 4

Made out of composite leather not real leather as in the past

Answer 5

yes they went to a syntactic covered ball......

Answer 6

They are switching to hairy balls.