In the 2006—07 NBA season, Commissioner David Stern made an executive decision to switch to a new microfiber synthetic composite basketball, in place of the traditional leather model. The new ball, which adopted a more contemporary design and retailed for nearly $100, immediately drew concerns from dozens of outspoken players. All-Stars Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and Dirk Nowitzki all reported cuts (similar to paper cuts) on their fingers and hands due to the synthetic material?s inability to absorb moisture.

Less than three months after the preliminary ball change, Stern succumbed to player outcry and NBA Players Association grievances and, in an unprecedented move in terms of in-season equipment changes for North American professional sports leagues, reverted to the traditional leather basketball. Unofficial player spokesman, MVP Steve Nash, remained concerned: "I'm disappointed that they didn?t seek more input from us before they [introduced the new ball], and I'm disappointed that we?re changing the ball during the season." Union chief Billy Hunter, however, was pleased with Stern?s decision because discontent was "unanimous amongst players."

For the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas, the NBA produced 2,007 limited edition synthetic basketballs with a unique Las Vegas All-Star design. Similar versions of the limited basketball were used in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam where the T-Mobile Huddle Up program brought together 6,100 kids from the Las Vegas community to view the live events.