9. Leandro Barbosa
Jan 19, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa (10) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets in the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns won 117-103. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 22.5 MPG, 9.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, .379 FG%, .125 3p%
Leandro Barbosa is in the midst of a second ten day contract in his second stint with the Suns. When he was here previously, he won Sixth Man of the Year and was a major part of those exciting Suns teams of the mid-2000’s. His return almost feels like a signal of the return of exciting basketball to the desert. Despite having suffered a severe knee injury last year, the aptly named “Brazilian Blur” hasn’t lost a step of his infamous quickness. His long range shooting leaves a lot to be desired, but as a veteran, I think he can find and address his weaknesses.
Barbosa will likely be retained for the rest of the season in an attempt to cover for losing Bledsoe. Whether or not the relationship fosters anything longer than that will likely depend on how he performs and how much money the Suns are willing to dole out to a veteran guard. For now, Suns fans can enjoy another exciting and energetic player on a team built around those two elements.
Grade: B