Tip-Off Timer: No. 9 Has Many Lives

by Rob PetersonTip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Sunday, there are nine days remaining.

At first glance, it might appear that the No. 9 hasn't had much meaning in the NBA.

Only two Hall of Famers have worn it (the Hawks' Bob Pettit and Bobby Wanzer, who sported "09" for seven of his nine seasons with the Rochester Royals), only two teams have retired it (the Hawks for Pettit and the Suns for Dan Majerle's tan) and -- with apologies to Literrial Green and Ruben Nembhard -- most of the other 185 players to don the digit have besmirched it with little more than the sweat from pregame warmups.

Yet, upon closer inspection, it's clear the No. 9 has played a significant role in the history of basketball -- from the game's invention to its greatest player to the ball itself (which is just more than nine inches in diameter).

Tip-Off Timer: No. 9 Has Many Lives originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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