Well, it’s for reals. The NBA is going with an all-new ball next year, and that picture up there is a picture of it.
Made by Spalding, it’s supposed to resist moisture or something, and also looks like it’s from the future, which is really all we needed for approval.
The new ball features Spalding’s Cross Traxxionâ„¢ technology, a union of revolutionary design and breakthrough material. The design is comprised of two interlocking, cross-shaped panels rather than the eight oblong panels found on traditional basketballs. As a result, there is more material coverage. The material is a microfiber composite with moisture management that provides superior grip and feel throughout the course of a game. Additionally, the new composite material eliminates the need for a break-in period, which is necessary for the current leather ball, and achieves consistency from ball to ball.
“The advancements that Spalding has made to the new game ball ensure that the best basketball players in the world will be playing with the best basketball in the world,” said Stern.
The wonderball is available for preorder now, and if you’re thinking we already paid for two, you’re so, so very right.
As we alluded to yesterday, this thing opens the door for lots of shitty play in the early months of the 2006-2007 season, even though everyone could realistically be out practicing with the thing now. Also, it’s still a freaking basketball – it’s not like they’re switching in a metal cube or something.
Regardless, here are the five players/coaches that’ll complain about this the most, in chronological order.
Tracy McGrady, Stephon Marbury, George Karl, Vince Carter, & Steve Francis. Of course, Franchise will only be upset because he’s not getting a chance to touch it, being that he’s on the bench and all and also (insert your own “balls” joke here!).
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Holy shit, a $100 ball. I can’t wait til they start marketing this thing in the ghetto
They’ll be slangin them like rocks. You know how poor inner city folk love over paying for over priced commodities…
Damn that PETA-loving hippie (hippy? whatever) David Stern. First it’s the ball; bye bye leather, hello “microfiber composite with moisture management.” Next, it’s bye bye beef and hello tofu-burgers. When will the madness end!?
I had too much caffeine this morning.
It’s crazy how you are better at photoshopping than ESPN…check the proof
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hruby/snibbe/060628&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1
AI and the Jazz’s pick go to Boston? Carlos Boozer and Boston’s pick go to Philly and Al Jefferson and the Sixers pick goes to Utah?
ah well. it was fun to dream for a minute.
ESPN why don’t you guys just hire me instead of jacking my style repeatedly?
As a die-hard Kings fan, it’s going to hurt my soul to be at the Sonics draft party tonight…on the other hand, the free beer won’t hurt.
Does anyone have any idea whatsoever about this draft? I’d like to be able to mock the Sonics with witty comments, but this draft is so dull I can’t even get interested.
Trash talking points would be appreciated.
dude i’m the only kings fan that comes to this dumb site
but if you are one, it’ll be hard to say anything given the sonics wiped the floor with us using jerome james and that one fat guy with pigtails
I’ve got nothing. They pick higher than us, which means they get a less shitty player than we do. They’re all gonna cheer when the Gonzaga guys get drafted. I want to puke already.
Steven A thinks that Minnesota is going to draft a point guard because Jarko isn’t cutting it. He didn’t misspeak, it was on the scroll at the bottom. Why does he get to be a basketball analyst?
Shannon Brown in the draft. That’s a pretty good pick considering the psychotic Drew Gooden is on his way out, and drafted another off-guard. Thought Flip was the answer?
I don’t know if I can stay awake until midnight for the 60th pick.
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