By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The NBA introduced its new Wilson basketballs this season and a lot of players are having a hard time adjusting. Among those, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, who addressed his recent shooting struggles.
“The ball is different. I’m still not totally comfortable with it,” the four-time All-Star told reporters. “It’s a process. But every single day, I work hard. I make those shots at practice. […] Last year, I was probably the best midrange (shooter) in the league. So at some point, it’s going to come back. I’m not worried about it.”
Embiid is currently shooting a career-low 41.2% in the 2021-22 campaign with just 32.1% from beyond the arch and he’s not the only one struggling, as shooting percentages have significantly declined early in the season across the NBA. For reference, Embiid has had 48.5% FG shooting career averages and 32.8% in threes.
Spalding was the official NBA basketball since 1982 and this change is taking a toll. A few more examples are Anthony Davis who’s shooting 15% from the three-point line, Luka Doncic at 25%, Damian Lillard at 23%.
Earlier this week, NBPA President CJ McCollum had also addressed the issue, suggesting that players are “still adjusting” to the new basketball and he will hold discussions to get feedback on the topic.
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