Spalding's New Ball 06-07

Spalding has introduced a "revolutionary" new basketball for the league after 35 years. The ball retails for $99. As the product description on the NBA store says:

"The new Spalding Official NBA Game Basketball, featuring Cross Traxxion technology, is the most technologically advanced ball in the market. Cross Traxxion is 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 for enhanced grip. The material is a microfiber composite with moisture management functionality for superior grip and feel throughout the course of the game. For indoor use only. "

Apparently the ball has met with mixed reviews already. Veterans such as Shaq, Vince Carter, Steve Nash and Kevin Garnett have complained about the new ball and its grip/bounce. Shaq went so far as to say the new ball "feels like one of those cheap balls that you buy at the toy store, indoor-outdoor balls."(ESPN.com)

My belief is that rookies just entering the league will benefit most from the new ball. They will become used to a new ball right from the get go, as they have just left college/high school. Vets who have used the same old game ball for 30 years will obviously not like the change as much, although some with smaller hands have already said its easier to grip for dunks. Obviously time and stats will tell how the ball has affected overall team and individual players field goal percentages and other stats. And of course, there is now a new excuse for a player who shoots worse than last year..