Nice job NBA. Like it isn’t hard enough to be successful in the NBA, you had to go and make things tougher for your players this season by switching the manufacturer of you basketballs, from Spalding to Wilson.
Hopefully the increased revenue is worth the fact that you’ve made your product more difficult to watch. Many star players say these new balls suck, and are blaming the switch for a league-wide 3-point shooting percentage that’s the lowest in six seasons.
For 38 years the league didn’t mess with their balls, Spalding was a partner that provided what the players used to hone their craft to the point where they could playin the NBA.
But in comes Wilson for the 2021-22 season, and out goes accurate shooting.
Wilson says they aren’t to blame, and the ball is the same as the Spalding one. Players have a different version of those facts.
Here’s what Paul George of the Clippers said.
“It’s a different basketball. It don’t have the same touch and softness that the Spalding ball had.”
That statement has to strike fear into the hearts of Clipper fans worldwide. I mean if George is starting his shooting slump this early, what’s his shot going to be like in the playoffs when he is known for high-profile choking at the absolute biggest moments?
George isn’t the only NBA player not happy with the leather they’re chucking around this year. Joel Embid and Nikila Jokic also have been highly critical.
CJ McCollum is the president of the NBA Player’s Association, and he said it’s the shooters fault, not the basketball.
Here’s the problem. The skill level of NBA players is so high, that even the most subtle difference in what they are used to can cause them to be affected negatively.
And now many players have convinced themselves the ball is different, so it’s messing with their confidence.
Hey, if you love yourself some airballs, this should be a dream season for you as a fan.
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