NBA lockout ends, Jewish Jordan returns to NJ Nets

Jordan Farmar, 25, the Los Angeles-born point guard for the New Jersey Nets, is returning to his home team following the resolution of the five-month lockout in the NBA, a result of a dispute in revenue sharing and salary caps. Since August, Farmar has been under contract for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
At the time of his signing, there was reluctance on the Israeli basketball scene in signing up a player who would likely return to the U.S. once the lockout ends, but Farmar’s Jewish background and strong ties to Israel made him an exception. “I wanted to be in Tel Aviv where I have family and I’m familiar with the city and I know what it is all about,” Farmar told Jerusalem Post at the time. “I had seen Maccabi games when I was younger and it was my first choice.”
In his adopted city, Farmar led the team in points, rebounds, and assists, greatly improving its standing in the Euroleague. In his last game for Tel Aviv on Nov. 26, Farmar’s team toppled the Croatian-based Cedevita with a 96-89 victory. Fellow Jewish hoospter Omri Casspi was also expected to play in Israel for Maccabi Tel Aviv, but with the lockout over, he will continue as the forward for Sacramento Kings.
The reduced 66-game NBA season will resume on Dec. 25. “I had a great time, I’m glad to go out on top,” Farmar said. “I love these guys. They really hold a special place in my heart and I hope they feel the same about me. It’s a special place and a special organization.”