The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been around for more than 75 years, and it has seen many changes over that time. One of the most notable changes has been the switch from Spalding basketballs to Wilson basketballs.
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History of Spalding in the NBA
Spalding has been associated with the NBA since the league’s inception in 1946. At that time, the official ball of the NBA was the Spalding NBA Official Game Ball. This ball was used exclusively in the NBA until 1983.
In 1983, the NBA decided to switch to a new ball. This ball was the Wilson NCAA Official Game Ball. This ball was used exclusively in the NBA until 2006.
The Reasons Behind the Switch
There were a variety of reasons why the NBA decided to switch from Spalding to Wilson. The first and most obvious reason was that Wilson had recently released a new model that was much more advanced than the Spalding model.
The Wilson ball was made of a synthetic leather material that was much more durable than the natural leather used by Spalding. This meant that the Wilson ball was less likely to become damaged or worn out during the course of a game.
In addition to the improved durability of the Wilson ball, the NBA also liked the shape of the Wilson ball. The Wilson ball was slightly smaller and more round than the Spalding ball, which made it more aerodynamic and easier to throw and catch.
The Impact of the Switch
The switch from Spalding to Wilson had a number of impacts on the NBA. The most obvious impact was the difference in the feel of the ball. The Wilson ball was lighter and more responsive than the Spalding ball. This allowed for more accurate shooting and passing.
The switch also had an impact on the aesthetics of the game. The Wilson ball was more vivid in color than the Spalding ball, which added a new level of visual excitement to the game.
Finally, the switch to the Wilson ball also had an impact on the marketing of the NBA. The Wilson ball was more recognizable and more marketable than the Spalding ball. This allowed the NBA to capitalize on the popularity of the Wilson ball and increase its visibility and reach.
Conclusion
The NBA decided to switch from Spalding to Wilson in 1983, and this switch has had a lasting impact on the league. The Wilson ball was more durable and more aerodynamic than the Spalding ball, which allowed for more accurate shooting and passing. The Wilson ball was also more vivid in color and more marketable, which allowed the NBA to capitalize on its popularity.