NBA star Jordan Farmar was officially introduced to the media as a player for Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv in a celebratory press conference held at Nokia Arena on Thursday evening. “I want Maccabi to win the Euroleague championship, even without me.” Coach Blatt sent his welcoming message via video. Maccabi also added a new physician to the team.
By Amy Samin
With great pride, Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv presented its newest acquisition, Jewish NBA star Jordan Farmar of the New Jersey Nets, at a celebratory press conference held Thursday evening at Nokia Arena. Farmar will play for Maccabi for as long as the NBA lockout lasts. Earlier on Thursday, Farmar was welcomed to Israel by dozens of fans at Ben Gurion Airport. Joining Farmar at the press conference were club chairman Shimon Mizrahi, and one of the team’s owners, David Federman. Also present were the remaining members of the directorate and assistant coaches Guy Goodes and Derrick Sharp.
Maccabi’s head coach David Blatt was unable to attend the press conference, and sent his good wishes by video: “First of all, I want to say ‘welcome’ to Jordan, for joining the Maccabi family. The great part of the story is that Jordan wanted to come, and we wanted him. It was really a decision of the heart as opposed to a professional matter…Jordan is one of the best and most exciting, and I believe one of the most special, guards that have come to Israel in a long, long time….I’m looking forward to coaching Jordan, I’m looking forward to seeing him work with all of our good players, to help us continue to be successful, to experience his character and his behavior as a professional and an athlete. It’s going to be fun and I hope he’ll be with us for a long time.”
When asked about the welcome he received at the airport, Farmar responded, “To get that warm reception when I landed was pretty special. I’m here to do whatever I can to help the team to win and improve. I waited a long time to come to Israel.”
When asked how he would handle the European style of basketball, Farmar replied, “I think the style of play will fit me very well. I’ve been taught to play basketball the right way, and to respect the game. My skill set will allow me to play in any system for any style of coach.” And as for the infamous NBA out clause in his contract: “In terms of leaving in the middle of the season, it’s not something I’m looking forward to. But there’s a business aspect, and part of my contract is that once the NBA lockout is over, I’m going to have to go back.” About the likelihood of his signing a long-term contract with Maccabi one day, Farmar said, “Right now I have a contract back in America that I have to go back to when the situation resolves itself. One day, when I’m a free agent, who knows? I’m definitely not opposed to it, I’d like to see what all of my options are out there. I feel very welcome and a part of this family right now, so I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”
Another question Farmar was asked was whether he thought Maccabi might be able to win the Euroleague championship now that he is on the team. The point guard responded: “I hope so. That’s what I’m here for. I try to win every time I step on the floor. Hopefully, I’ll be here long enough so that I’m a part of it until the end, but if not I wish them the best and I think that our experience together will help the team grow, hopefully in a positive direction.” Farmar was asked to offer tips to his teammates regarding playing an average of three games per week. The five-year NBA veteran had this to say, “It’s about being ready to play the game: taking care of your body, taking your job seriously, and just being prepared to play.”
Club chairman Shimon Mizrahi turned to Farmar in front of the journalists and said, “I hope you will stay with us for a long time.” Mizrahi went on to say, “We had many conversations with players, but the negotiations with Jordan were very short, because he wanted to come to us and we wanted him to come. After he signed with us, we got many requests from other NBA players but one Jordan is enough for us.”
Club management also announced the addition of Dr. Guy Morag to the staff of team doctors. Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv would like to thank Dr. Nathan Serbu for his many years of faithful service as a Maccabi team doctor.
