(apologies to Kim Gordon for the above headline)

While the NBA’s return to the old leather ball was applauded in most quarters, People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals are amongst those disappointed in David Stern’s reversal. That said, PETA’s Dan Shannon (above) is trying to be a nice guy about this (from The Peta Files, link swiped from True Hoop)

PETA would like to offer a lifetime supply of cruelty-free hand cream to any NBA siss … excuse me, superstar who™d be willing to give the composite ball another shot. Recreational players and NCAA athletes have been using composite balls for years without experiencing scratches or scrapes”but we understand that the delicate hands of pampered NBA superstars are far more sensitive than those of your average Joe who actually has to work for a living.

The hand cream comes in a variety of scents, including œFilthy Rich Organic (perfect for any overpaid millionaire) and œPeaceful Patchouli”Nash, we have a whole case of that set aside for you. Maybe by taking care of your own skin a bit better, you can allow cows who would otherwise meet their end in
the slaughterhouse to keep theirs.

Shaq, as one of the players who has been most critical of the composite ball, perhaps you™ll volunteer to be our test case”since you™ve only played four games all season, surely you have time to work a moisturizing routine into your schedule. Or LeBron, maybe you™re interested. The NCAA has used the composite ball for years”so it™s not only an education that you missed out on. Maybe you just need some more time to adjust.

Though JD of the Straight Shot (above, left) claimed that Isiah Thomas’ job was safe for the duration of the 2006-07 season (echoes of Danny Ainge insisting that Doc Rivers’ position was secure even if the Celtics lost every game on the schedule), the Cablevision kingpin made the following observations at Knicks practice Tuesday, as quoted by the New York Times’ Howard Beck.

œI believe that this could be the team that could ultimately compete for a championship. Probably with more changes over time, and I™m certainly not suggesting it™s going to happen this year, but you see a lot of very promising aspects to the team.

As optimistic as he sounded, Dolan said it was œjust too early to say whether the Knicks were showing sufficient progress, or to know what to make of Eddy Curry™s newfound dominance. (He has scored at least 20 points in 10 straight games.)

œIs this really progress, or is this an aberration? Dolan said rhetorically. œYour final conclusion has to be, it™s just too early.

The funny thing is, the Knicks’ very progressive 8-15 record strikes me as being less about Thomas’ failings as a coach and more about the squad his team president has assembled. Fortunately, Zeke is too classy to pass the buck in this instance.

The Journal News’ Mike Dougherty has a slightly more contentious take on Doh’lan’s afternoon address.

The man in black seems committed to bringing in a sixth coach in six years if the situation calls for a new face and philosophy.

œI™m a recovering alcoholic, I know about denial, Dolan said with a chortle. œAnd if what you™re asking me is whether I™m going to go through denial about whether (Isiah’s) done his job or not, I™ll do my best to be honest. But then I have all of you to keep me honest.

œYou can be like my mirror.

Picture that Snow White scenario for a minute.

You’ve probably read just a little bit over the past day about a proposed A.I.-to-Charlotte deal coming apart, and The Big Lead, slumming over at The Little Blogging Conglomerate That Could, caught “SportsCenter”‘s trenchant analysis of the situation.

Like a Tsunami without warning, Screamin’ A. Smith appeared and shouted, ‘IT’S THE BIBLE BELT, COME ON!’ as if Iverson were a born criminal and destined to play in a din of iniquity like Philly.

What’s Smith going to say about Minnesota? ‘RANDY MOSS AND DAUNTE WANTED OUT, AND ALLEN DOESN’T LIKE TO PARTY ON BOATS!’

Boston? ‘IT’S COMMON KNOWLEDGE BOSTON IS A RACIST CITY!’

Sacramento? ‘ALLEN PERSONALLY TOLD ME HE’S NEVER SEEN A COW, AND DOESN’T WANT TO!’