Say Goodbye To The Roundie
| 14
|
The NBA's oft-criticized decision to switch to a new composite ball before the start of this season may have come as a surprise to fans and players, but David Stern's most recent announcement is the most stunning one yet -- the old leather balls, which were taken out of circulation prior to training camp this season, will be returning to the hardwood by New Year's Day.
The new microfiber ball had drawn widespread criticism from the players (the NBAPA had even filed a lawsuit against the league over the matter), and although shooting percentages were up in the young 2006-07 season, Stern decided to acquiesce to the players and bring back the old basketball. The decision came as a pleasant surprise to many players. "I thought maybe that if they did change it, it would be for '07-08," Chicago Bulls forward P.J. Brown said. "To make a change this quickly is very surprising."
The NBDL will continue to use the so-called "orange roundie" for the rest of their season, and Spalding will continue to develop designs for a better ball, but for now, it appears that the old ball is here to stay.
Source
