  |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
Posted by Mark Barnes Nov 6, 2006 |
Sometimes progress needs to stop progressing, and the NBA's new basketball is a perfect example. For 35 years, NBA players have been shooting the same Spalding basketball. Now, Spalding has introduced its new ball, which employs the company's fancy Cross Traxxion™ technology, which basically means not leather -- like the old basketballs were.
Many of the players hate the feel of the new ball. The vociferous Shaquille O'Neal has been the loudest complainer, but he isn't the only one denigrating Spalding's new baby.
For his part, NBA commissioner David Stern is turning a deaf ear to the players' complaints. Stern says that numerous tests show that the new basketball is better than the old one.
Based on his excellent track record as NBA commissioner, it's hard to question Stern's decisions. However, it's difficult to remember the last time Stern was wearing an NBA uniform and launching shots from the 3-point arc. Sometimes, leaders have to adhere to the input of the people they lead and, in this case, it seems obvious that not even Spalding's best scientists know a basketball better than NBA players, who work with it everyday of their lives.
Since we're certainly not afraid to hand out advice, here's some for Commissioner Stern. Dump the new ball. Call it a failed experiment; call it poor technology; or say nothing at all. Just roll out that 35-year-old antique that has worked so well for so long, and the players and fans will thank you for another good decision.