Rumor has it that it's a new game ball, but I bet we can come up with some better ideas.

http://www.nba.com/news/blackbox_060628.html

My guesses:

--LB's severed head

--a glowing ball, similar to the glowing puck

--A golden Blaha bobblehead

--a bowling ball

--his new toupee

--a pair of rollerskates with the big pom pons in front

some kind of new technology that will "enhance" the viewing experience for us. my guess is something to do w/ the basketball.

some kind of new technology that will "enhance" the viewing experience for us.

Maybe a sign that just says "we're not going to call phantom/touch fouls anymore".

A pink slip for any official over 60 would be nice too.

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1374


The Celtics decided to roll out the new balls the NBA will start using next year, which threw off the shooting of most of the players at the workout.

Did they test this in the NBDL first?

That would make too much sense I suppose.

bill simmons is going to love this. david stern is a genious.

i suspect its a box full of tiny paper cut out men with "450" written on it, representative that the league is 450 deep.

the ball sounds about right. maybe a new logo too (maybe a ref on his knees in front of wade/lebron). maybe the ball will be super bouncy, or unpredictable.

i hope the ball isnt too faggity.

scratch that. i suspect its some sort of walking clock.

a cure for the blindness suffered by most of today's referees?


nah, i'm sure it's some sort of new gadget that has to do with viewing the nba over the internet.

either that or some really cool 3-D glasses.

It's the magical elixir Wade takes before every game to heal him from all those ailments. It's FDA approved now.

Suck it Pfizer!

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_17689.shtml


Not quite sure why this has not gotten more press, but the NBA will be using a new basketball design next season. The new ball is no longer going to be leather, rather a composite surface, and has a strikingly different look. One of the side effects of this new non-leather ball will likely be the decrease in shooting percentages, as the ball tends to “bobble” out a touch more than the normal NBA ball. The new ball was used exclusively at the NBA pre-draft camp. The new ball is also featured in print on the cover of the NBA’s 2006 draft guide. Ironically, neither the NBA nor Spalding has put out a release on the new ball yet. There had been rumors of the new ball design for the past few months - it was surprising to see it in use in Orlando, especially without any press on the new ball or its features – but it’s coming.

Sounds like shooting will be at a premium next season.

DennyMcLain has the scoop.

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/5975/newball3iz.jpg

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_17689.shtml


Not quite sure why this has not gotten more press, but the NBA will be using a new basketball design next season. The new ball is no longer going to be leather, rather a composite surface, and has a strikingly different look. One of the side effects of this new non-leather ball will likely be the decrease in shooting percentages, as the ball tends to “bobble” out a touch more than the normal NBA ball. The new ball was used exclusively at the NBA pre-draft camp. The new ball is also featured in print on the cover of the NBA’s 2006 draft guide. Ironically, neither the NBA nor Spalding has put out a release on the new ball yet. There had been rumors of the new ball design for the past few months - it was surprising to see it in use in Orlando, especially without any press on the new ball or its features – but it’s coming.

This is their next step in killing the Pistons. They know we're a jumpshooting team, so this will be another "change" that hurts the Pistons more than the rest of the NBA.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/news/uploads/newball.jpg

Why change it? I don't get it.

It's a Euro ball. minus the white.

The only reason I see is that the syntheetic surface allows the "rubber" grooves between the "leathers" to turn in on each other, rather than crossing. This might allow a player to find his fingers on a grip faster, allowing more control over the rotation of the shot.

Or not. I'm sure the NBA has it's reasons.

Note: we only see one side of the ball. My theory has yet to be debunked.

Or not. I'm sure the NBA has it's reasons.



$$$

It's his Boner and a picture of Wade dunking the ball.

It was right under our nose all along.

http://www.nba.com/media/allstar2006/TmacSecond400.jpg

It was right under our nose all along.

http://www.nba.com/media/allstar2006/TmacSecond400.jpg


well if thats it, then it seems like the four-on-the-floor pistons did pretty damn good in the ASG to me. changing the ball is stupid though, stern sucks. it was probably tested in an exclusive workout with wade and lebron to make sure it helped them, with 3-ball range.

a new, non-leather ball?

cows everywhere are celebrating.

Uh holy shit. I dont see why Stern would choose replacing a ball rather than trying to change the rules again, replace the fucking refs or even help a team like the Sonics who are pretty much fucked.

Fuck the NBA...for now.

Why is the child in crosses sig british?

BTW, I want one (the new ball, not a british child who "fucking loves colouring", though he is certainly very cute in his own right).

Why is the child in crosses sig british?

BTW, I want one (the new ball, not a british child who "fucking loves colouring", though he is certainly very cute in his own right).

LMFAO

I really dont see why Stern has to fuck up the shooters in the league.

Stern is a Nazi. Fuck him.

www.nba.com/somefakebullshiturlforadumbjoke


The NBA today announced that the Miami Heat will be the only team that will not use the new official NBA ball. When a Heat opponent gets possession of the ball during a game, a foul will be immediately be called on them, and possession (or free throws) will be awarded to the Heat and they will be given the old style ball.

One time per game, the Heat's opponent will be allowed to touch the old ball, albeit briefly. No points can be scored by the opponent, it's merely a charade.

www.nba.com/somefakebullshiturlforadumbjoke


The NBA today announced that the Miami Heat will be the only team that will not use the new official NBA ball. When the opponent gets possession of the ball during a Heat game, a foul will be immediately be called, and possession (or free throws) will be awarded to the Heat and they will be given the old style ball.

One time per game, the Heat's opponent will be allowed to touch the old ball, albeit briefly. No points can be scored by the opponent, it's merely a charade.
[smilie=rofl.gif]

wtf is the point?

the genuine leather official NBA balls were sweet once they were broken in.

We need to write a biography about our fearless peerless leader.
I have the perfect title:

David Stern: Synthetic Balls

so they plan to unveil the ball on Draft Day?

THIS is the best thing they could come up with to draw attention to the Draft?

LMMFAO

What a waste of time. This will have little to zero effect on anything.

We can't get the Lotto drawing LIVE on TV, but we can get a new ball?

And this guy is supposed to be a marketing genius?

LMMFAO

They broadcast the lotto drawing or are you talking the actual choosing of balls (or whatever they use).

They do not show the Lotto balls being drawn

The tell you after it's been done in private.

Why?

Kill the conspiracy nuts and do it live.

scratch that. i suspect its some sort of walking clock.


http://www.thesimpsonsquotes.com/images/ralph_nose.gif

hmm....how funny would it be if this composite ball's grip somehow helps Ben's FT%?

afterall, "he makes 'em all during practice"...

A new ball.


http://www.nba.com/media/newball_060628_250jd.jpg


So exciting[smilie=sarcastic.g:

A new ball.


http://www.nba.com/media/newball_060628_250jd.jpg


So exciting[smilie=sarcastic.g:

Gayest basketball ever.

This ball is better and more manly:

http://www.epinions.com/images/opti/ac/2e/sprtBasketballSpalding_WNBA_Game_Ball-resized200.gif

Gayest basketball ever.

This ball is better and more manly:

http://www.epinions.com/images/opti/ac/2e/sprtBasketballSpalding_WNBA_Game_Ball-resized200.gif

Damn, I tried to find "This One's For the Girl" on YouTube for this reply, no luck.

It's official. http://spalding.com/home/index.php
just click on experience the new nba game ball and there show a graphic of the "black box" opening revealing the ball.

So its got less rubber grooves and better sweat control. Great. The box was unnecessary.

dude, nba.com is selling the "new" ball for $100.....yikes.

LOL.

Did they even show the ball? I dont remember seeing it being released... I did fall asleep for 8th-13th pick though =/