The NBA should have consulted with the players before introducing a new basketball, according to David Stern.

"It's an improvement in many ways," Stern told the New York Times in a story posted on its website Tuesday. "But if our players are unhappy with it, we have to analyze to the nth degree the cause of their unhappiness." Stern said he will address the players' criticisms with Spalding, the ball manufacturer.

"I don't think anybody would complain if they take it away, I'll tell you that," Miami guard Dwyane Wade said. "Hopefully, we'll get back to the other balls."