Barbosa: I Want to Stay in Phoenix

[JGKoblenz]

Some interesting quotes in this article.

"It's been tough," Barbosa said after Phoenix's loss to D'Antoni's Knicks, Wednesday. "I guess it's tough for everyone. I was really close to my mom."

[...]

"I'm basically away from my whole family, so I'm by myself," Barbosa continued. "We were a family (in Phoenix). When those things happen, you get sad. We've been around each other for years. It's a business, so you always have to be prepared for anything that can happen. We keep in touch. We'll still be a family. It (doesn't) matter where."

[...]

But with the addition of Richardson and Matt Barnes, Barbosa was forced into more of a backup-point guard role.

"He's done fine," said Nash. "But it's not a benefit for him to be spending time there (at point guard). We need to try and find minutes for him so he can score and doesn't have to be confined with these responsibilities."

[...]

"My position is the two," said Barbosa. "Right now I'm playing the one and trying to be comfortable. I don't really know the plays, so every time I have to look to the bench to see what we're going to call. So it's kind of tough for me, but I'm trying to do my best."

[...]

"His role has changed a lot because of our personnel," said Porter prior to the loss at Madison Square Garden, Wednesday. "Last year they played seven guys and he had more minutes. We added J-Rich, and from that standpoint, his role has changed a little bit. He averaged 30 minutes last year and he's probably mid-20s this year.

"I think he's a little bit better off the ball," Porter continued. "But, in a sense, with J-Rich, he's not going to get a lot of time there. There aren't a lot of minutes at that two-spot so he's had to be more of a combo at times. That has been the best way to try and get him consistent minutes every night."

[...]

"I've built another family being around these guys," Barbosa said. "All (are) good guys. No selfish (guys). I'm happy to be here. They all (supported) me when I got here. It was a tough time because I didn't speak the language… It's been really good for me as an experience. Being around Shaq, Grant Hill, Steve – all of these guys have been helping the team and my life too."

When asked if he wants to finish his career with the Suns, Barbosa simply said, "Yes. I'm in Phoenix now, so I'm very happy. I'll do the best I can here."

Link

 

[Rogue]

I think he should upgrade his language skills if he wants to stay in Arisona longer, I mean he should learn some spanish.

 

[dodie53]

why trade for Jrich if they intend to give Lb more minutes at the 2 spot?

 

[HooverDam]

I want LB to stay too, he's a terrific player at his price point. JRich, LB and Amare are three guys Id like to have stay if the team does get blown up. I think Amare can still be great, he's just tuned out Porter and obviously doesn't fit with a guy like Shaq who clogs the lane, he needs to be partnered with a KT type.

 

[nowagimp]

why trade for Jrich if they intend to give Lb more minutes at the 2 spot?

Jrich can play the '3', his best defenseive PER is at the '3', he's better than Barnes there on both offense and defense. The way LB and Barnes are playing, I'd play LB more barnes less and slide Jrich to the '3' to do it. Right now the team is in such disarray it may not matter, but its worth a shot with Barnes playing to his career averages in mediocrity.