Leandro Barbosa makes his return to the NBA this week
Former Celtic Leandro "The Blur" Barbosa will be returning to the NBA this week, as he is expected to sign a ten day contract with the Phoenix Suns. Barbosa played his first 7 seasons in the NBA for the Suns, and current Suns GM/former Celtics Assistant GM Ryan McDonough plans to bring him back to Phoenix. Pending a physical, Barbosa should be able to play on Tuesday night when the Suns visit the Chicago Bulls.
Barbosa last played in the NBA on February 11, 2013, when he suffered a season ending knee injury in Boston's loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. After the injury, Barbosa's expiring contract was traded to the Washington Wizards (along with Jason Collins) in return for Jordan Crawford. After going unsigned by any NBA teams this season, Barbosa has been playing in Brazil's professional basketball league and averaging about 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
From AZcentral.com's Paul Coro on Twitter:
The #Suns plan to sign Leandro Barbosa to a 10-day contract.
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) January 5, 2014
Barbosa will meet the #Suns in Chicago. 10-day is pending a physical. He was playing in Brazil. Last played for McDonough's Celtics in Feb.
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) January 5, 2014
@paulcoro 20pts, 3reb, 3assist in 8 games with Pinheiros, Brazilian team in NBB (Brazilian League). He was very well here!
— Fábio Balassiano (@balanacesta) January 5, 2014
Photo: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
