Reddit reviews Spalding NBA Official Game Ball Basketball (2014) with Retail Packaging
We found 2 Reddit comments about Spalding NBA Official Game Ball Basketball (2014) with Retail Packaging. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
The original NBA official game ball returns as the ClassicMade from the finest full grain leather to provide exceptional feel and touchMeets all stringent official size and weight specifications set by the NBARecommended for top-level competitive indoor play
From your link: http://www.amazon.com/Spalding-Official-Game-Ball-Basketball/dp/B00178UAP4/ref=pd_sim_sg_92
Too much. That's a Stern ball which might be why the cost is a bit inflated (Silver is on the new ones). Usually an official NBA game-ball is ~$100.
Once broken in, an NBA game-ball is hands-down the best ball to hoop with, but, and this is an important point, it takes a lot of time to break in a game-ball (weeks of daily use) and it must be done in a pristine setting.
Pristine setting = squeaky clean indoor gym. No exceptions.
The slightest bit of dust/dirt/grime will ruin the leather, especially once it starts loosening up and getting worked in.
But boy oh boy, if you do it right (or are lucky enough to actually have used real game balls), there's no other basketball like it. Silky smooth but incredibly tacky (with a little bit of moisture). The sound it makes on a perfect swish is unmatched. Best of the best, obviously.
That being said, like many others have mentioned, there are better more realistic options out there.