NBA ditches leather basketball....

I'm sure Stern wishes he could ban Cubans just like the government has with cigars.

Stern has synthetic balls.

Thanks Roscoe for posting Cuban's blog. Wow! I hope he sent the report to Stern. Apparently all the testing NBA did was on a dry ball. I agree with Detteam that using the Visine that simulates (as close as possible) human sweat was a real difference. Well, I have to hand it to Cuban: he knew how to get action and how to use his resources. I doubt that NBA had any physicist do the in-depth research Cuban did.

Another thing, about what role stadium arena floors really might make. It seems like floors would make some difference with either ball. Even though there are probably standards for floors, there would have to be a difference between geographic areas, etc.

Hmmm, wonder what the new ball smells like. I like the smell of leather.

A bit more on the subject. Looks like Cuban's test results are getting around. I'm sure Stern is overjoyed.

ESPN.com - NBA - Cuban corollary: NBA rule will regulate owner behavior

Dang, it get's crazier and crazier. Sheed will find a way to get around the "Sheed rule", I am sure. Can Cuban make himself an assistant coach? Is there a law against that? That way he could legally be on the floor, say what he wants to, and generally be himself.

It actually smells sort of leathery. But there is a hint of rubber.

Yeah, but it still tastes like chicken. :P

An interesting perspective on the new game ball that hasn't really been discussed.

ESPN.com: Page 2 : A new look for the NBA


How does the change affect the 21 Team logos that include a basketball in their logos? But the REAL question is, HOW WILL THIS AFFECT PISTONSFORUM.COM?



The NBA League office's take on matters:

Uni Watch » Ball State

Perhaps Stern will start to listen now that his golden boy is complaining about the ball.

FOX Sports - NBA - James latest NBA star to bash new ball

Wow, that Baden ball looks pretty impressive. I'll be curious to see if Mark takes the bait.

Comment #2 is interesting...it made me realize that Spalding has monopolized the basketball market thanks to Stern. I'm sure Spalding has applied for patents and can now charge the NBA anything it wants for it's 'superball' for the next 17 years. Maybe Spalding was the only producer of leather balls, but anyone could make them if they wanted. Stern must be getting a TON of kickbacks for this little marketing gem.

Spalding ::Basketball click top shelf, second from left

"The players who seem to benefit the most are guys who make their living with jumpers in the 10 to 15 foot range. The ball doesnt come off the rim as hard as the old ball, which has led to shots that I think would have bounced out in the past, staying in now. Players with soft touches on short jumpers are loving the new ball."

Did anyone notice during the Piston game how many shots from long distance bounced near the front of the rim and went in? PeteM would have loved this ball.

I played a good 2 hours with the new ball again today at the gym. I'm convinced that it is better. To me, it is easier to grip on dribbling, catches, and shots.

Just try it before you buy in to all the %%%%%ing from dudes like Shaq.

Interesting developments...

TSN : NBA - Canada's Sports Leader

ESPN.com - NBA - Union gets on ball, files unfair labor practice charges

Good to see the union stepping up...I think they represent the fans also.

But I hafta laugh at Stackhouse's comment, "...A thousand dollars is a thousand dollars, no matter whether you are making $9 million or $30,000."

Stackhouse is completely out of touch with reality...as is the case with most overpaid players and league commissioners.

Someone should introduce Mr. House to the concept of percentage.

I don't think Stack meant that like it came out. I think he was trying to say was that no matter how much you make no one wants to be fined at a 1000 bucks a clip especially when a lot of these T's are coming body languge or facial expressions. I rather Stack make a comment like this as opposed to other players in the league that make comments like I don't care about the fine 10 big faces is chump change to me.