Synthetic Basketball

For the 2006-2007, the NBA introduced a new ball design into the league. This was the first change to the ball since 1970, when they switched from a four-panel to the eight-panel construction. This ball is made from a microfiber composite designed to give a better grip and feel than the leather ball. This particular ball was used by the Washington Wizards but only for half the season. The response from the Wizard players, as well as most other players around the league, was a resounding, “Bring back the old leather ball!” Although the new ball was tested by both Spalding and the NBA and was found to be more consistent than the leather ball, the players didn’t like the “feel” of the new ball. Many complained of a different bounce and the synthetic material cutting their hands. So in the middle of the 2006-2007 season, the NBA recalled the new ball and replaced it with the old leather standard..

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