http://www.startribune.com/511/story/727182.html MANKATO - Like Minnesota weather, everybody complains about the NBA's new basketball but no one does anything about it. Except, perhaps, Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen. Madsen, the Wolves' representative to the NBA players association, said Friday that he would call the union to share feedback and encourage discussion, steps that might have been neglected before the microfiber composite ball was introduced at training camps this week. The ball, made by Spalding, has been criticized by various NBA players for being slippery when wet, sticky when dry, lighter, too lively and just plain different in the way it bounces off the floor and the rim. Miami center Shaquille O'Neal said the ball is like "one of those cheap balls that you buy at the toy store." The leather ball used for the past 35 years was replaced, Spalding executives maintain, because technology can make a better synthetic ball. ESPN.com reported that the manufacturer cited a shortage of the hides needed to make the leather ball consistent, but Spalding disputed that claim. Players such as Steve Nash, Vince Carter, Gilbert Arenas and Carmelo Anthony have complained about the new ball. Kevin Garnett, asked for his impressions, said, "They're all negative. So I have none." Some players have wondered whether the NBA is saving money on it. Others suspect that the league will sell more to fans who, unlike with the leather ball, can use it outdoors. That's where Madsen comes in. "A key thing here is feedback," he said. "I'm going to call the union and open the dialogue. To me, the process should be, hey, Shaquille O'Neal has raised some concerns. Shaq is like the captain of the whole league. I'm hoping the league will take his concerns very seriously. "This affects the 'product,' though I've never liked that word. This affects guys' performances. This is our livelihood. This is like giving an accountant software that isn't great, where he'd say, hey, the old software allowed us to do special things." The league contends that composite balls are used at every other level of basketball and that many current NBA players grew up using them. Commissioner David Stern, in Spain Thursday, said, "The time of the synthetic ball is here." On his blog this week at markmadsen.com, Madsen wrote: "I am going to do everything in my power to get the ball changed back to the old one." He said he's confident that Stern and the NBA will work with the players and factor in their opinions. Sure. Just like they did a year ago when the dress code was imposed. Another detractor Wolves guard Troy Hudson didn't hold back on the new ball, either. "It's terrible! Terrible!" he said. "I think it will affect shooters. Shooting is about feel. It's tough to get used to that feel. Maybe we will catch on -- toward the middle of the season." Fourth-day blues Several Wolves were sloppy, with and without the ball, in Friday's morning workout, prompting head coach Dwane Casey to stop the action and loudly address their failings. It wasn't the ball's fault, either. "Typical fourth day of training camp," Casey said, noting that physical fatigue leads to poor concentration. "We want to fight through that." Lucas in camp John Lucas, as well known for his dependency counseling for players as for his NBA playing and coaching career, was a guest at the Wolves camp Friday. Lucas, who has helped current Wolves Eddie Griffin and Vin Baker with their alcoholism aftercare, is a friend of Casey. Second scrimmage set The Wolves wrap up their Mankato stay with an open scrimmage tonight. They have added a scrimmage for 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Champlin Park High School. Tickets, limited to four per person, can be obtained on Oct. 15 from 3-6 p.m. at Jerry Ruppelius Park, 109th and Elm Creek Parkway in Champlin. A $5 donation per ticket is requested, with proceeds going to the Timberwolves Foundation and the Champlin Park High School Booster Club. --

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