When the NBA transitioned to Wilson basketballs over the summer, it wasn’t really considered a big deal at the time.
After all, a ball is a ball, right?
But since the start of the season, offensive struggles have been coupled with complaints by several of the league’s most prominent players, who claim that the new Wilson game balls are affecting their shot.
“Not to make an excuse or anything about the ball,” said Paul Geoorge, “but I said that it’s just a different basketball. It doesn’t have the same touch or softness as the Spalding ball had. You’ll see this year, there’s going to be a lot of bad misses… I think you’ve seen a lot of airballs so far this season… It is different, there’s no secret. It’s just a different basketball.”
The point is, many players are identifying the Wilson ball as the source for their struggles on offense.
“I’m not a huge fan of the [Wilson] ball,” said Warriors star Steph Curry. “I’ve shot with a Spalding every day of my life for the past 12 years. I mean, it’s whatever—but I feel like these balls are harder to grip—it’s hard when it gets sweaty.”
And then there’s Kevin Durant, who went against all of that in his newest post-game statement.
Kevin Durant on the new Wilson balls: "For me, it just feel the same."
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) November 6, 2021
Where other guys have seen dips, Durant has only seen success. Through 9 games so far, the guy is averaging 28.3 points per game (his highest since 2014) on 56% shooting (the highest efficiency of his 13-year career).
There’s obviously a lot of games left to go, but KD has emerged as an early MVP candidate despite the new ball, the rule changes, and having torn his Achilles just two years ago.
The guy is pretty good at basketball and it’s not surprising at all to hear the Wilson ball has not become an obstacle for him this season.
