Tip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Sunday, there are 44 days remaining -- the same number the Lakers retired in 1983 for Jerry West.Sometimes the basketball gods smile upon you even if you're not really part of the game. That's what happened to me on Nov. 12, 2004.
OK, so maybe it wasn't any kind of hoops deity that hooked me up; it was Raymond Ridder, the Warriors' director of public relations. Still, I remember to this day my brick of a cellphone ringing that cold morning in Memphis with Ridder at the other end.
"You want to go to lunch with Jerry West?" he asked. Ridder had worked for the Lakers and knew West from his days in L.A., so they were going to catch up. And I was coming along.
European basketball teams often have a tough time convincing quality American players to venture overseas to work. The same can be said for getting coaches.
It isn't just the players on the fringe of the NBA who are leaving the country to play overseas. It's the coaches, too, who are being courted.
Now with four first-round picks to worry about -- and a unique chance to restart the franchise -- new Minnesota Timberwolves boss 
Possesses way too much confidence in own ability, with little to show for it. Expects success, anyways. Has history of not getting along with his superiors and alienating players. Serious inquiries only.
