Missing The Ball, The Basketball That Is

From cars that float to New Coke bad ideas have permeated the marketplace for decades. The problem with bad ideas is that they always sound like good ideas until you actually get into them.

By that time it's too late to prohibit the fiasco from occurring. The National Basketball Association experienced a good idea that turned into a bad reality in the 2006-2007 season when they introduced their new microfiber ball. Commissioners and regulators in the corporate office of NBA headquarters thought the new ball would increase points, increase action on the court and would be better for basketball and its fans as a whole. Unfortunately three great mistakes led to its downfall.

No player consultation

The first mistake made by the corporate office and commissioner the NBA was not to consult players on this decision. They were simply notified that in the 2006-2007 season a new ball would be in play. This led to the filing of a labor union lawsuit as players began to assert their right to have a say in their own sport. The lawsuit was never resolved because by the time it came to court the commissioner had pulled the ball and at the beginning of 2007 went back to the leather ball. This illustrated the problem of NBA officials and players not working together. The good outcome from this situation was that apparent lack of communication has been addressed and the league promises more player consultation on decisions from now on.

Not enough time

Not only were players caught off guard with the new basketball coming into their season, but they were given almost no time to practice with it. They began using at the start of practice right before the season began and discovered immediately that the microfiber ball had distinct differences from the leather ball that they had played with through their childhoods and into their career. It bounced differently. It felt different. It didn't bounce off the rim in the same way and it cut their hands. Before they had time to really study the effects of the ball, the season began. Points did go up during the time the ball was used but so did turnovers and missed opportunities. Players simply were not ready to begin with a new ball.

Missing the point entirely

Somehow, people in the conference were looking at TV ratings, endorsements, media controversies, player issues, trading, dress codes, violence and the future while forgetting to look at the one thing they probably should have considered first: the basketball. Basketball is about the ball. Professional basketball players have used a leather ball as kids, as student athletes, and as professionals. All of a sudden the center of their game had been changed.

The good news for the NBA is that they were willing to recognize their mistake and in midseason change the ball back to the leather ball players wanted. This move opened up the door for renewed communication on behalf of players and management, and will hopefully help both sides remember just what this sport is all about.