The NBA decided to introduce a new ball in the league this season, replacing the iconic Spalding one with Wilson’s ball. This new ball has sparked a reaction from Clippers’ superstar Paul George who said that the Wilson ball isn’t soft like the Spalding, and that has caused issues with gripping while shooting. On the other hand, Trailblazers guard CJ McCollum has said more than the ball, it is a shooter’s fault for not making the shots.
Statistically, 17/22 All-star players have seen their percentages go down this season since the ball change. This is not the first time that the NBA has changed its generic ball, last when the league introduced a leather ball in 2006, it didn’t make it past one season due to gripping issues and irritation among players.
Not to make an excuse about the ball, but it’s a different basketball. It don't have the same touch/softness that the Spalding ball had, and you'll see this year. It's gonna be a lot of bad misses.
Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
It is not the balls fault I missed shots lol. That’s the shooters fault. For the record.
CJ McCollum