In the high - octane world of the NBA, where every dribble, pass, and shot is scrutinized, one might wonder about the seemingly mundane aspect of the basketballs used in the games. Are the basketballs that players handle on the court all brand - new?

The NBA takes great care in ensuring the quality and performance of the basketballs used during games. These balls are not just randomly selected from a stockpile. They undergo a series of strict inspections and preparations.

When it comes to the question of whether they are all new, the answer is not as straightforward as one might think. For starters, in a regular NBA game, the basketballs are indeed new for the start of the game. The league provides a set of brand - new balls that meet the official NBA standards. These standards cover aspects such as size, weight, and bounce. A regulation NBA basketball has a circumference of 29.5 inches and weighs around 22 ounces, with a specific bounce requirement that ensures consistent playability across the league.

However, during the course of a game, there are times when multiple basketballs are in play. If a ball gets damaged, say, it gets punctured or severely scuffed, it will be replaced with a new one from the reserve supply. This is to maintain the integrity of the game. A damaged ball can affect the way players handle it and its ability to bounce predictably, which could give some teams an unfair advantage or disadvantage.

In addition, the balls used in warm - up sessions are often the same ones that will be used in the game. But these are still considered "new" for the context of the warm - up. Coaches and players use them to get a feel for the ball's characteristics before the official start of the game.

Another aspect to consider is the practice balls. Teams have their own sets of practice balls, which are usually different from the game - used balls in terms of their wear and tear. These practice balls are used for training sessions, drills, and scrimmages. They help players improve their skills and get accustomed to the general feel of handling a basketball, but they are not the same balls that are used in actual NBA games.

Moreover, the NBA also has strict regulations regarding the storage and handling of basketballs. They are kept in optimal conditions to prevent any premature degradation. This means that the balls available for games are in the best possible state of newness or near - newness when they are brought onto the court.

In international competitions where the NBA players participate, such as the Olympics, the rules regarding the basketballs are also quite similar. New balls are provided for the start of the games, and replacements are made if necessary. This ensures that the playing field is level for all teams, regardless of whether they are from different countries or leagues.

So, while the basketballs used in the NBA are new at the start of a game, there are procedures in place to ensure that any damaged balls are promptly replaced, maintaining the high - quality and consistent performance standards that the league is known for. And for practice purposes, teams have their own dedicated sets of balls that are distinct from the game - ready ones. Overall, the NBA's handling of basketballs is a well - regulated process that contributes to the fairness and excitement of the game.