Big HatTip to reader Lebron James (not that Lebron) for pointing me to this article. I was looking for this article a short while ago as verification to what I had read in an Israeli paper, but could not find the source at the time.

Former Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball star Anthony Parker has been re-signed by an NBA team. This time the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Parker selected to wear the number 18 on his jersey, after his experience playing ball in Israel. In Parker's own words, the reason for choosing that number:

I went over there obviously with the intention of trying to get back to the NBA as soon as possible," Parker said. "But once I got over there, it was a great experience. I had great support in Israel and it really gave me the opportunity to develop as a player."

Parker will wear No. 18 with Cleveland out of respect to his time in Israel, where 18 is a symbol associated with life and success in the Jewish faith.

Maybe Parker and his good luck charm jersey will be the final link that will take the Cavs to the finals...