Stern gives in to players, synthetic ball will be retired

Players 1, Ball 0.

That's the score in the battle between the NBA Players Association and the new synthetic ball introduced at the start of this season by NBA commissioner David Stern.

Stern finally gave into player complaints about the ball, announcing Monday that beginning on Jan. 1, 2007, the league will return to its traditional leather ball for the remainder of the season.

There was no commitment beyond this season, however.

"Our players' response to this particular composite ball has been consistently negative and we are acting accordingly," Stern said in a statement released by the league. "Although testing performed by Spalding and the NBA demonstrated that the new composite basketball was more consistent than leather — and statistically there has been an improvement in shooting, scoring and ball-related turnovers — the most important statistic is the view of our players.

"In the meantime," Stern added, "we will work with our players and our partners at Spalding to determine the best possible ball for the NBA."

Spalding also issued a statement on the matter, which was the subject of a recent formal complaint by the players union to the National Labor Relations Board.

"For 130 years," president and CEO Scott Creelman said, "Spalding's commitment has been, and remains, providing the best players in the world with the best product for the game.

"We believe the micro fiber composite ball offers many superior characteristics to leather, however, we firmly support any decision that improves player satisfaction. We will work closely with the NBA to ensure a smooth transition and to determine the best product going forward."

Jazz reaction to news of the switch back to leather was rather indifferent.

"If that's what they want to do, it's what they want to do," point guard Deron Williams said before the Jazz's 101-79 win over Dallas on Monday night. "I like them both."

"Actually," center Mehmet Okur added, "I got used to it now with these balls, so it doesn't matter now. I like the old balls, too, so no problem with that."

Timing of the change back, however, was questioned.

"It's kind of weird in the middle of the season," said forward Matt Harpring, who had problems gripping the synthetic ball early in the season. "I'm used to it now, but, whatever they want to do."

OKUR INJURED: Okur hobbled off the EnergySolutions Arena floor with 4:15 remaining in the fourth quarter of Monday's win over the Mavericks.

Okur sustained a mild sprain of his right ankle, according to the Jazz. His status for Wednesday's visit with the Los Angeles Clippers is uncertain.