NBA to ditch composite ball: league official
Last Updated: Monday, December 11, 2006 | 6:02 PM ET
The Associated Press
The NBA will scrap its new microfibre composite ball and bring back the old leather one beginning Jan. 1, an official HAS told the Associated Press on M.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday because the announcement of the switch was not due until at least Tuesday.
The change was initially reported by espn.com.
Players have complained about the new ball since training camp, saying that it bounced differently than the old one — off the floor and the rim. They also said the synthetic material cut their hands.
NBA commissioner David Stern told the New York Times last week the league should have sought more input from players before introducing the new ball.
He also said he would address the players' criticisms with Spalding, the manufacturer.
The lack of player input about the new ball prompted one of the two unfair labour practice charges the union filed with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board on Dec. 1.
Two-time league MVP Steve Nash of Victoria has said the ball cut up his hands but wasn't looking for a return to the old ball.
"There's some things about it that are still difficult," Nash said last week. "It kind of beats up my fingers. Now, I'm used to the ball and it would be difficult to change back."
