August 12, 2010 | 4:00 pm

Lebron, a Rabbi, and The Crazy Jewish NBA Offseason

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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Nothing in the Jewish sports world has been a bigger story as of late as Amare Stoudemire visiting Israel. First he wasn’t Jewish, then he was, now he isn’t again but wishing me a Boker Tov on my Twitter account. Its just plan crazy. Maybe the craziest thing I have ever heard, that was of course until Lebron James sought out a Rabbi.  According to Tablet Magazine James hired Rabbi Yishayahu Yosef Pinto for some spiritual guidance. Clearly, Lebron dealt with a lot this summer, but word is this Rabbi-to-the-stars is a “shady Kabbalist.” James’ hiring of a rabbi is just the latest in what was a crazy offseason in the NBA. Let us recap:

11) David Kahn’s Troubles Continue - Minnesota and Kahn can’t seem to figure it out. They had 3 pgs on there team and unloaded fan favorite and best player Al Jefferson.

10) Omri Casspi in Israel - Casspi played for the Israeli National team.

9) Celtics hire Lawrence Frank - After his firing midseason by the NJ Nets, Frank gets an assist job with Doc Rivers.

8) Landesberg and Scheyer Left Out of Draft - After much speculation neither Scheyer and Landesberg get drafted but both sign with NBA summer league teams.

7) Landesberg Heads to Israel - After a decent summer Landesberg leaves the Kings to join Maccabi Haifa.

6) Scheyer Out - Scheyer had severe damage to his eye and there is no word on a return.

5) Jordan Farmar Leaves LA - 2 Time NBA Champion leaves the sun in LA and joins the NJ Nets.

4) Mark Cuban Speaks Up - Cuban asked the NBA to investigate the Miami Heat’s signing of the big 3.

3) Lebron James Needs Help - James hires a rabbi to help with spiritual issues.

2) Mickey Arison Inks the Big 3 - Heat owner convinced Dwayne Wade to stay and bring enforcers with him in Lebron James and Chris Bosh.

1) Amare Stoudemire in Israel - Stoudemire’s journey to Israel and new faith in the Jewish religion is all the craze.

As you can see this has been a crazy offseason. Can’t wait for the season to get started.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine