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Spalding NBA Basketball

The NBA's new ball, made from a microfiber composite, is meant to offer a more consistent bounce than the old leather models. Instead it has sparked incessant complaints from players, who say that it slips when their hands get sweaty and even causes skin abrasions. The players' union has filed a formal grievance.

Update: The NBA said on Dec. 11 that it would switch back to the traditional leather ball, starting on Jan. 1.

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