Add-On Item: Spalding NBA Street Basketball (28.5", Intermediate) Expired

Actually, it is official size. It just depends on who is using it.

Not official size, fyi

I highly do NOT RECOMMEND this ball.

This is a RUBBER BALL not composite leather. It's more grippy and some people might want that, but it's really better to get an indoor/outdoor that has composite leather. Honestly, it's best to get the Costco ball that uses "premium" composite leather which is around $20.

Some people might argue that the extra grippy balls are better for kids because it'll help with their handling/dribbling/etc, but I think it's a bad habit to start at an early age to use these. Also, maybe it might build up their confidence, but these balls also cause way more finger-jams, so they aren't very safe in that regard.

If $20 seems a bit much, I think Walmart has the "non-premium" composite leather indoor/outdoor ball for $16 right now. The Costco one is the best deal for the quality and price.

I've been researching basketballs these past few days since I'm picking up basketball again, and the Costco ball is probably the best bang for the buck. If you want to spring more for an indoor ball, Wilson Evolution or NCAA official balls are great, but they are a bit pricey. On sale, they run around $40-50. Retail is $60-70. The benefits of a more expensive indoor ball is that the materials used are more premium, the ball is more spherical and stays spherical, retains its psi better, etc. Remember though that these balls should be used indoors only.

edit add: I know the "more spherical" sounds like a minor issue, but even though a ball may look round, the inner rubber is made of a stronger rubber that retains its shape as opposed to a more elastic and shape-shifting rubber. It creates more consistency in the way the ball bounces and feels. I say that if your child is on or aspires to be on a high school team and beyond, these higher-end balls are worth it. Or if you're an adult and are serious about improving your game, these are worth it as well.

Lastly, I ended up just buying a ball on craigslist for $10 (a new non-premium composite leather Spalding) until I decide on exactly what higher-end ball I want to get and at a slickdeal price. I was going to get the Costco ball, but opted not to because I found this $10 ball on craigslist close to my house. Ultimately, I do want to get the official NBA ball that's made of leather because it's the official ball, but that's like $130-180 so yea, not right now. I'm rambling now. DONT GET THIS BALL!