NBA reinstates leather basketball
After complaints from players about the way it gripped, performed and even hurt their skin, the US National Basketball Association (NBA) has decided to abandon the microfibre composite ball that was introduced this year and reinstate the ‘old faithful’ leather ball.
NBA commissioner David Stern said that although testing performed by Spalding, the association’s official basketball supplier, and the NBA demonstrated that the new composite basketball was more consistent than leather, and statistically there had been an improvement in shooting, scoring, and ball–related turnovers, the most important statistic was the view of the players.
The leather ball will be reinstated for official matches as of January 1, 2007. Spalding has 450 new leather balls ready for use; however, the switch during the season could be a difficult adjustment as leather balls need time to be broken in.
Following the decision, Spalding group president and CEO Scott Creelman said, “For 130 years, Spalding’s commitment has been and remains providing the best players in the world with the best product for the game. We believe the microfibre composite ball offers many superior characteristics to leather; however, we firmly support any decision that improves player satisfaction. We will work closely with the NBA to ensure a smooth transition and to determine the best product going forward.”
