JJ Redick to Petition NBA Over Use of Brand-New Basketballs After First Win as Lakers Coach

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick marked his first official NBA victory on Tuesday night with a 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, Redick’s post-game comments weren’t solely focused on the triumph, as he announced his intention to petition the NBA to allow teams to use worn-in basketballs instead of brand-new ones during games.

Redick’s Frustration with the Basketballs

Redick, known for his attention to detail and love for the game, voiced his frustration over the feel and performance of the brand-new basketballs used during the match. He argued that brand-new balls have a different texture and handling compared to those that have been worn in, which can affect shooting accuracy.

“We got great looks. There were even some threes in the second half that I thought were wide open, and we just couldn’t knock them down. I’m going to send in a request for the league tomorrow so that we can play with worn-in basketballs. I’m dead serious, I’m not sure why we’re playing in real games with brand-new basketballs.”

The Impact on Shooting

The Lakers struggled from beyond the arc during the game, shooting just 16.7%, making only five of 30 three-point attempts. Redick highlighted the issue, noting that it only came to his attention during a timeout when he grabbed a long rebound and noticed the unfamiliar feel of the ball.

“I didn’t realize it until the timeout. There was a long rebound, I grabbed it. I was like, ‘What? Why are we playing with this ball?’ Give the guys an opportunity to pick a good basketball.”