What are you talking about? Those new balls never break in. NBA players have been saying that the new ball material makes the ball feel new all game long. It doesn't get broke in throughout the game like leather balls. One of the biggest gripes was that the ball always had the "brand new-feel". Leather balls will always be the best basketball to use in games.
As someone who believes very strongly in animal rights, I'm thrilled they've switched from leather to a man-made material. Now if they can just do that with the shoes. The worst thing about the shoes is that most of them are like 90% man-made materials but have just a bit of leather on them so they can say they are partly leather. It annoys the hell out of me when I'm trying to buy shoes. I'm always like "WHY THE HELL IS JUST THE SWOOSH LEATHER?"
Just because Stern makes the announcement, why is everyone dogging on him like he made this final regardless in face of overwhelming opposition? Because Shaq employed some drama and hyperbole? For any large decision in any corporation, there is going to be a large team of analysts, researchers, testers, economists etc... etc.. that are going to weigh all the considerations. I'd prefer to give Stern the benefit of doubt and take the more obvious road - that he understands he wouldn't know better here and took in a large argument from his panel of NBA ball testers to stick with the new ball.
I'm w/ jmwiliamson, I think it's a good move to concerning animals, however limited the total effect might be. There are many more, larger issues, but any little advancement helps. That said, 1/2 way through the season this will be a non-issue and no one will talk about the new ball again. Stop crying and get used to it. EVERYONE will be using it, it's not like the ball magically turns to leather when the other team is on the offense. And why does everyone side w/ the players all the time? Many of them are prima donnas and will complain about anything that crosses their mind. No job is perfect, you will eventually have to do something you don't like sooner or later and you deal w/ it. Ultimately players work for the team and the NBA. The money goes both ways; people come to watch the players but someone has to put up the monetary investment and risk to maintain the infrastructure. If they don't like the job then just quit.
I stoped by the NBA store yesterday and got a chance to hold the ball. It defenitely feels like an outdoor ball. REALLY different feel from leather. It doesn't have that slickness that even college balls have. IMO it has a better grip but I can see if it were to get wet it would be very slippery.
Good point! I will abandon my study of the social sciences immediately and begin my career as a shoemaker! Hmm... I'll need a sweat shop and lots of ill treated workers. Are you looking for a job?
After watching a few games,I'm still convinced the players know what their talking about.Imagine that. Stern usually pushes all the right buttons,but is coming out of left field on this. The new ball sucks and needs to go.We need the leather,baby!
I was watching ESPN and its not unanimous about the new ball, some of the players like it, the players will adjust. It is more Sterns ball than you think, the words David Stern are enscribed on both sides of the ball.
Reading comprehension is a GOOD thing. I said LEATHER balls take forever to break in, these feel great right off the shelf. All the other leagues in the world are using similar balls, the players need to quit whining and play. DD
