The New Spalding NBA Basketball

It has a new design and better grip. D-Wade likes it, Shaq hates it. Find out more about the new NBA Offical Game Ball.

The New NBA Ball - New And Improved?

When the 2006-2007 NBA season tips off, players will be slamming and jamming with a new style of ball for the first time in 35 years. The new ball from Spalding features something called Cross Traxxion technology and kind of looks likes two of the The Thing's hands clasped together (which is fitting since this year's NBA season begins on Halloween night). Want more big words? The new ball also has a Hydrophillic Moisture Management System - which evaporates sweat from the ball quicker so the ball doesn't get as slippery during a game. Overall, the new Spalding ball is supposed to have a better grip and be more "consistent" - meaning it won't need to be broken in like the old leather basketballs. Many NBA players, including Shaq, don't like the new ball and have questioned why the NBA needed to introduce a new basketball, since the old one seemed to be working just fine. Is the new ball just a marketing gimmick or will it really be an improvement for the game? We'll find out on October 31st when the new NBA season begins.

The New NBA Ball - The Word On The Street

"It doesn't bounce as high, so a bounce pass on the fast break could be a bit different. It bounces off the rim a little bit more, it's a little bit more sticky, so guys are going to be able to make better plays around the basket, because they'll be able to grab it a little bit more." - Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors.

"I think the new ball is terrible. Feels like one of those cheap balls that you buy at the toy store, indoor-outdoor balls. It's the worst decision some expert, whoever did it, made. The NBA's been around how long? A hundred years? Fifty years? So to change it now, whoever that person is needs his college degree revoked. It's a terrible decision." - Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat.

"It will be great to get a ball that just feels the same no matter where you are and then it'll really give you that comfort that you need, either home or away. I think the grip is nice. I'll be able to do more tricks with it, so I'm excited about the grip of it. It feels really good". - Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat.

The new Spalding Offical NBA Basketball will be available for sale starting October 31, 2006.

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