Yes, you read that right. The most famous basketball organization in the world uses a game ball that most high school teams turn down. How do I know this, I worked for the Phoenix Suns for 7 years, and hosted hundreds of youth basketball games on their court. The look on people’s faces the first time they touch an official NBA ball is usually somewhere between shock and disgust.
For those of you who aren’t aware, the official NBA ball is produced by a company named Spalding, and if you’ve never heard of the brand before, how the hell did you stumble upon this blog. Regardless, I’ve had the opportunity to play with an official Game Ball many times and they are terrible. The leather is tough, and the ball is hard as a rock. Honestly, the first time I played with it, I thought people were joking when they passed it to me. The NBA must be hard up for cash if they are ok having the best players in the world play with this brick.
But I guess the players like it. A couple years ago the NBA had Spalding create a different ball and the players went nuts. You would have thought someone went arena to arena keying everyone of their cars based on their reaction. It took the NBA about two weeks to tell Spalding to bring the old ball back and the ditch the new version.
What I don’t understand is why anyone would like this ball. The only thing it really has going for it is the fact that it’s the Official Ball of the NBA. But at $149.99, I’m happy to play with basically any other option. The craziest part is that anyone who plays basketball knows the best ball out there is the Wilson Evolution. It’s only $64.99 and it’s just the best ball out there. The leather feels likes like it was literally flown in from Italy after being ripped out of a just off the line Ferrari.
So to wrap things up, no this isn’t an ad for the Wilson Evolution but I’m definitely down to accept a free ball if they are offering. No, this is simply a PSA to all the basketball players out there to not waste their money. In fact, if you show up to an open run with that ball, people will most likely give you the Billy Hoyle treatment. And you better have a lot of confidence in your game if you plan on attracting a White Men Can’t Jump level of attention.
Last but not least, if you know a basketball fan and decide to buy them a new ball, do them a favor and get a Wilson Evolution. Trust me, they’ll be very appreciative.
