New York ? Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade was one of several NBA players heartened by commissioner David Stern’s acknowledgment that the league should have sought more input from players before introducing its new game ball.

Stern told the New York Times in a story published Wednesday that he would address the players’ criticisms with Spalding, the ball manufacturer. He also didn’t rule out that the league could change balls during the season.

“We’ve got to continue to try to make this game as exciting as it should be, so we should have more input in it,” Wade said. “So I’m glad they came to the realization of that. I hope they take that into consideration and get those balls out of here. I don’t think anybody would complain if they take it away, I’ll tell you that.”

Players have complained about the ball, changed from leather to a microfiber composite, since training camp began. They argue the ball bounces differently than the old one, both off the floor and the rim. The new synthetic material is more sticky when it’s dry, but players say it’s more slippery when wet – which the league and Spalding deny.

“The players are complaining about the ball,” Miami coach Pat Riley said. “I don’t really care, because both sides use it. But if the players are complaining about the one instrument that they need to use all the time, then I think you’re showing something by listening to them. We’ll see what happens.”

Heat forward Antoine Walker said Stern needed to take action.

“Saying and admitting that you’re wrong is not good enough,” Walker said. “Right now we just need to get back to the old ball. That’s what guys are comfortable with and are used to playing with, and what we prefer.”

In the story first posted on the Times’ Web site Tuesday night, Stern said the ball is “an improvement in many ways.

“But if our players are unhappy with it, we have to analyze to the nth degree the cause of their unhappiness. Everything is on the table. I’m not pleased, but I’m realistic. We’ve got to do the right thing here. And, of course, the right thing is to listen to our players. Whether it’s a day late or not, we’re dealing with this.”

Two-time defending league MVP Steve Nash said the ball cuts up his hands but he isn’t exactly welcoming back the old leather ball.

“There’s some things about it that are still difficult,” Nash said. “It kind of beats up my fingers. Now, I’m used to the ball and it would be difficult to change back.”

The lack of player input about the new ball prompted one of the two unfair labor practice charges the union filed with the National Labor Relations Board late last week. Union director Billy Hunter told the Times the charge would not be rescinded until the league made a change.

Some of the league’s biggest stars, from Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James, have been among the most critical of the ball.

“You worry about that ball, and it kind of keeps you from doing what you have to do with it,” Suns guard Raja Bell said. “I let that go. But I do think they should have probably asked guys. If you aren’t going to ask the whole league, at least ask your superstars, the guys who make you the money.”

Stern said he understands why the players feel as they do.

“I won’t make a spirited defense with respect to the ball,” Stern told the Times. “In hindsight, we could have done a better job. I take responsibility for that.”