Jordan Farmar to Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv’s fans on Facebook: “I already feel the love and excitement from the fans. I’m going to give my all to the team”.
Five days before practices get underway, Jordan Farmar, Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv’s new Jewish American star, took the time to answer some questions put to him by the team’s fans on its official Facebook page.
Jordan, is it true that you approached Maccabi? If so, why? Why Maccabi?
My step father was born in Tel Aviv and I went to go watch Maccabi play when I was a little kid. I’ve been to Israel and love it out there. Tel Aviv is beautiful and the winning culture of the organization was very attractive to me.
Since you were a kid you’ve visited Israel and seen Maccabi games. Will playing for the team whose games you watched as a child be a kind of closing of a circle for you, after you’ve basically reached the peak of your career with two NBA championships?
I think it’s just a very small world. I watched the Lakers play as a kid and ended up playing for them, and the same will be said for Maccabi! I’m very excited surprised of how the world works. I plan on playing for quite a while longer (in terms of my career), so I wouldn’t say “closing circle”. I do realize the irony and how lucky I am to be able to have these life experiences.
What do you think of the Israeli League, and do you think you’ll be able to adapt to the style of play here?
I think the experience as a whole will be great for me. I’m not concerned about adjusting to the basketball side of it. I just want to play with my new teammates, and get to work with coach Blatt (who I’ve heard nothing but the best about).
Are you excited about switching from the best league in the world, with world-class players, to Europe?
I am very excited! I think basketball around the world is growing very fast, and the competition will be high. Maccabi is playing to win, which is a big reason I wanted to join their organization. Want to spend this time at a high level and get back around winning culture.
We would be very happy if the best Jewish basketball player in the world would put on the blue and white for the Israeli National Team. What do you say?
I’ve thought much more about that recently. If you would have asked me a year ago, I wouldn’t have been so open. I will see about getting dual citizenship and how this whole experience is for me and my family and make that decision moving forward, but it is a possibility.
As a top-level NBA player, can you see yourself returning to play for Maccabi again in a few more years?
I am currently under contract in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets, so if the NBA lockout is resolved I’d be obligated to go back and play there. However, this will be a good chance for me to see what else is out there for me when the time comes that I am a free agent again.
If the NBA lockout ends tomorrow and you don’t end up playing for the fans in Nokia Arena, will you feel like you missed out to some extent?
Honestly, I would feel that way very much. I am excited and anxious to go out there and start playing. I want to see how things are done in other parts of the world. I already feel the love and excitement from the fans there, and feel a connection despite not arriving in Israel yet.
You’re coming to Maccabi as someone who is expected to be one of the best players in Europe. If the NBA season starts, how do you think your leaving will affect Maccabi?
I spent a lot of time discussing that with coach Blatt and the staff there. I know they have signed other players who are very capable of playing at a high level and helping the team stay on their path to win Championships. I am going to play as if I’m going to be there the entire season and give my all to the team.
What have you heard about Maccabi? Have people been telling you good things?
I’ve heard nothing but great things about Maccabi. I’m very familiar with Tel Aviv as a city, but have heard nothing by the best about the organization. I spent a lot of time this past weekend talking to Anthony Parker. He and his wife really enjoyed their experience there, in the city, with the fans, and playing for coach Blatt. His wife really got my fiancé excited and comfortable as well.
What are your expectations for the coming season?
My expectations are just to come out and play ball. Be a part of a team who is committed to winning, and do whatever it is that I can do to help.
