With the lockout ended, the NBA's two Jewish stars –Jordan Farmar and Omri Casspi - are relishing the start of the US basketball season, two months behind schedule.

New Jersey Nets guard Farmar has been playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv and another powerful performance last week saw him score 21 points as the Israelis beat Milan to go top of Euroleague Group Three.

Farmar said: "I've mixed feelings. It's been such a positive experience in Israel and I'll be back one day."

Forward Casspi moved from Sacramento Kings to the Cavaliers in the summer.

He said: "The most difficult part of the lockout is I've not been allowed to talk to my new club.

"Now I'm really looking forward to the challenge of succeeding in Cleveland." The NBA season starts on December 25.