General Basketball Wiretap

NBA Unveils New Game Ball For 2006-07; Will Shooting Improve?

Sure, the shooting in the NBA might improve. David Stern sees another benefit to the league's new official game ball, though.

As the commissioner joked Wednesday, now his signature gets to go on the ball twice.

That is just one of the changes on the new game ball, which was unveiled by league and Spalding officials at a news conference at the NBA Store and will be put into use at the start of the 2006-07 season.

The biggest, and most important, difference is that the ball is no longer leather. Instead, it's made of a microfiber composite that allows for a much better and more consistent grip.

The ability to grip the leather was a driving reason behind the first change to the ball in more than 35 years.

Via Associated Press


NBA Disciplinarian Promoted

Stu Jackson, the NBA disciplinarian, is one of five executives promoted by the league.

Jackson, Ski Austin, Rick Buchanan, Bill Koenig and Sal LaRocca were promoted from senior vice president to executive vice president in their previous positions, the NBA announced Wednesday.

Via AP


Stern To Reveal Big Surprise On Draft Night

What's in the black box? Only David Stern knows for sure.

But until then, everyone else is likely to speculate that the NBA is unveiling a new official ball that will replace the current one in the NBA.

A news article on NBA.com reads:

"On June 28, NBA Commissioner David Stern will introduce the NBA's newest employees, as he announces the Class of 2006. Before that, however, he will unveil the contents of the black box below -- sure to change the way you see the game. Check back Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. ET to see what's in the black box."

Via NBA.com


Jun 2006 Archive

  • Reebok Eurocamp All-Star Team and MVP Announced

    RealGM is proud to be the first basketball media outlet to announce the Reebok Eurocamp All-Star Team and MVP.

  • NBA Explains Time Malfunction From Game 3

    “Upon review of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between Miami and Dallas, the NBA League Office has determined that the game timing system malfunctioned on two separate occasions in the fourth period." -- Stu Jackson, NBA Senior Vice President, Basketball Operations

  • Study: NBA Among Most Diverse Sports

    Bernie Bickerstaff is one of very few African American coach/general managers, a study recently found the NBA to be among the most diverse sports.

  • Stern Fed Up With Complaints About Refs

    According to Sam Smith, NBA Commissioner David Stern has had enough of the complaints made against the league's officials, stating that the negativity created by players and coaches trickles down to the fans.

  • Jay Williams Interested In Joining Raptors

    Jay Williams worked out for the Raptors on Thursday and in a post-workout interview said that he is ready to play for an NBA team.

  • RealGM Radio: Doug Christie Considering An NBA Comeback

    In an interview with RealGM's Aaron Bronsteter, Doug Christie revealed that he is considering an NBA comeback at the age of 36.