Andrew Pace
The official basketball of the NBA is the Wilson NBA Official Game Basketball. It is made from 100% genuine leather and is the basketball used by every team and every player in every game. The ball features official NBA branding coupled with the iconic Wilson script. The ball requires a break-in period as it initially feels slick and rough to the touch.
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What You'll Learn
The official NBA basketball is the Wilson Official Game Ball
The official basketball of the NBA is the Wilson Official Game Ball. This ball is made from 100% genuine leather, which gives it a slick and rough feel to the touch. However, as the ball is used, the leather loosens up, providing more grip. The ball will also darken as it becomes ready for gameplay. The Wilson Official Game Ball is 29.5 inches in diameter, which is the standard size for all NBA games.
The Wilson Official Game Ball is available for purchase from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Wilson Sporting Goods. Prices for the ball vary, with some customers reporting purchasing it for $240 or $299, while others have found it for $189.50 or even as low as $30.
Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the ball, noting that it started to show wear and tear after a few months of indoor use. Others have questioned its authenticity, as it did not arrive in the expected packaging. However, many users have also praised the ball, claiming that it feels like a "pro" ball and is the "best ball ever".
The Wilson Official Game Ball is the result of a partnership between the NBA and Wilson Sporting Goods. Wilson is a well-known sporting goods manufacturer, and their partnership with the NBA has led to the creation of the official game ball used by every team and player in the league. The ball is constructed to meet the world-class standards of the NBA, ensuring that it can withstand the intense competition and athleticism of the league.
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It is made from 100% genuine leather
The official basketball of the NBA is the Wilson NBA Official Game Basketball. This basketball is made from 100% genuine leather, specifically, Horween leather. This type of leather is known for its durability and superior quality, making it the perfect choice for the rigorous demands of NBA gameplay.
The use of genuine leather in the construction of the NBA's official basketball is significant for several reasons. Firstly, leather is a natural material that provides a superior grip and feel compared to synthetic alternatives. When a leather basketball is brand new, the surface may feel slick and rough to the touch. However, as the ball is used and broken in, the leather gradually softens and develops a tackier texture, providing players with a more secure grip. This break-in period is considered an essential part of the basketball experience, as it allows players to develop a unique connection with their ball, moulding to their individual playing style.
The process of breaking in a leather basketball typically takes several months of consistent use. During this time, the ball gradually loosens up, becoming more pliable and responsive to the player's touch. This gradual transformation is a result of the leather fibres softening and moulding together, creating a more cohesive surface. The break-in process also enhances the ball's grip by allowing the natural oils from players' hands to penetrate the leather, further improving its tackiness.
In addition to its grip and feel, genuine leather offers several other advantages for NBA gameplay. Leather is known for its breathability, allowing moisture to dissipate and preventing the ball from becoming slippery during intense games. Additionally, leather is a durable material that can withstand the rigorous demands of NBA games and practices, ensuring that the ball maintains its shape and performance over time.
The choice of 100% genuine leather for the NBA's official basketball highlights the league's commitment to quality and performance. By using a natural material like leather, the NBA ensures that players have the best possible equipment to showcase their skills and talents. The unique characteristics of leather, including its grip, feel, and durability, contribute to the overall excitement and competitiveness of the game, making the NBA the world-class sporting event that it is today.
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The ball requires a break-in period before use in games
The official basketball of the NBA is the Wilson NBA Official Game Basketball. It is made from 100% genuine leather and is the basketball used by every team and player in every game.
The ball is initially slick and rough to the touch. As such, it requires a break-in period before it is ready for gameplay. The leather needs to be loosened up, which will give the ball more grip. Dribbling drills will help speed up this process. The ball will also darken as it gets ready for use.
The break-in period can take a while, with some sources saying it takes about six months of use, and others saying it takes a few weeks. The more you play with the ball, the better it will feel.
One user on Reddit commented that their Wilson NBA basketball was fully broken in after about a year and two months. They also noted that it is important to keep your hands moisturised so that the ball doesn't get a tacky, dead feeling.
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The correct PSI for the ball is 8PSI to 8.5PSI
The NBA Official Game Ball is constructed with a genuine leather cover. This means that the basketball will initially feel slick and rough to the touch. However, the more you play with it, the more the leather will loosen up, giving the ball more grip. This break-in period can take about six months of use in practice. The ball will also darken as it becomes ready for gameplay.
It is important to note that the NBA Official Game Ball is different from the balls used in pickup games. While the official ball is made of real leather and requires some breaking in, other balls, such as the Wilson EVO, may feel better right out of the box and are cheaper.
The NBA Official Game Ball is produced by Wilson Sporting Goods and is the basketball used by every team and every player in every game. It is the official ball of the NBA and features the world-famous NBA logo. The ball is brown and is available in size 7 (29.5 inches), which is the official size used in all NBA games.
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Wilson also makes custom basketballs for each team
Wilson is the official basketball manufacturer of the NBA. The Wilson Official NBA Game Ball is made from 100% genuine leather and is used by every team and every player in every game. The leather cover will initially feel slick and rough to the touch, but playing with the basketball will loosen up the leather, giving the ball more grip. The ball will also darken as it becomes ready for gameplay.
The break-in period for a Wilson NBA basketball can take some time, with some sources saying it can take up to six months of use in practice to get to that point. However, Wilson claims that it only takes a few weeks. The best way to break in a new basketball is to play with it. Dribbling and shooting repeatedly will help speed up the process.
Some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with their Wilson NBA basketball purchases, citing issues such as poor quality, punctures, and air retention problems. However, many others have praised the ball, saying that once it is broken in, it becomes one of the best balls they have ever played with.
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Frequently asked questions
The official basketball used by every NBA team and player is the Wilson Official NBA Game Ball.
The Wilson Official NBA Game Ball is made from 100% genuine leather.
The Wilson Official NBA Game Ball is a standard size 7, 29.5" ball.
