The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league in the United States and Canada. As such, the NBA is particular about the type of ball it uses for its games. NBA players rely on the quality of the ball to help them perform their best on the court. So, what ball does the NBA use?
Official Specifications of the NBA’s Ball
The NBA uses a regulation ball made by Wilson Sporting Goods. The official size of the basketball is 29.5 inches in circumference and weighs 22 ounces. The ball has an indoor/outdoor composite leather cover, with NBA-approved logos which are located on both sides of the ball. The ball also has a unique design with a “sponge rubber” bladder, which helps maintain the ball’s shape and allows it to bounce more consistently.
History of the NBA’s Ball
The NBA has been using Wilson Sporting Goods basketballs since 1983, when Wilson replaced Spalding as the official ball provider. The NBA’s current ball is the Wilson Evolution, which was first used in 2006. Prior to the Evolution, the NBA used the Wilson Solution, which was introduced in 2000.
Benefits of the NBA Ball
The ball used in the NBA is specifically designed to meet the needs of professional basketball players. It is made with a composite leather cover which is designed to provide a better grip and control for the players. The bladder of the ball is also designed to help maintain its shape and bounce more consistently. This helps the players perform at their best and ensures the game is played at its highest level.
The Evolution ball also features a unique Cushion Core Technology with a low-density sponge rubber core. This helps the ball to absorb more energy when it bounces, which leads to a softer and more consistent bounce. This helps the players to control the ball more easily and reduces the chances of it slipping out of their hands.
Aesthetic Appeal of the NBA Ball
The NBA ball is also aesthetically pleasing. It features an eye-catching design with the NBA logo on each side of the ball. The design is unique and adds to the overall appeal of the game. It also helps the players to easily identify the ball when they are playing.
Conclusion
The NBA uses a regulation ball made by Wilson Sporting Goods to ensure the highest quality of play. The ball is designed with a composite leather cover and a unique Cushion Core Technology to provide better grip and control for the players. The ball also has an aesthetically pleasing design with the NBA logo on each side of the ball. The ball helps the players to perform their best and ensures the game is played at its highest level.