It seems every Nets fan sees Jordan Farmar first and foremost as a trade chip. With a winning pedigree (two NBA rings, an NCAA Finals appearance and an L.A. city championship), a reasonable contract (a $4.25 million player option he may exercise) and still only 25, he's seen as someone who might fetch someone else or be a piece in a bigger deal.

But that's not the way Avery Johnson sees him apparently. The coach says Farmar is playing the best basketball of his career. As Mike Mazzeo points out, he is stuffing the boxscore when filling in for or playing next to Deron Williams, "shooting 48 percent from the field, 93 percent from the free throw line and 46.1 percent from 3-point range -- all career bests."

• Farmar's shooting stats much improved - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York