Suns sign Barbosa

[Skkorpion]

SUNS SIGN LEANDRO BARBOSA

Guard Joins Suns Summer League Workouts Tonight



PHOENIX - The Phoenix Suns have signed point guard Leandro Barbosa, acquired on draft night through a trade with San Antonio.

After being selected as the 28th pick by San Antonio in the 2003 NBA Draft, Barbosa was acquired by Phoenix in exchange for a future protected first-round pick. The 6-3, 176-pound point guard was a member of Brazil's National Team at the 2002 World Championships and previously on his country's Junior National Team.

The 20-year old was named the Brazilian League Rookie of the Year in 2002 during his first season at the country's top level and in 2002-03 he averaged 28.2 points, 7.0 assists and shot .503 from the field and .447 behind the arc for Bauru Tilibra. As a rookie he averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 assists, .545 shooting from the field and .427 behind the arc.

His professional career started at the age of 16 when he joined Palmeiras in the Brazilian second division.

Barbosa will participate in the Suns rookie/free-agent camp this week before heading to Salt Lake City, Utah to play for Phoenix's summer league entry in the Reebok Rocky Mountain *****. His first practice session will be tonight from 5 - 7 p.m. at the America West Arena practice court.

 

[arthurracoon]

Yes!

Now all of our draft picks and Voskul are signed!

 

[jbeecham]

I saw some highlights of Barbosa's 1st practice on the local news tonight (channel 10). He looked really good. He got a steal and sprinted down court and dished the ball to casey for a 3. He also hit a 3 ptr and his shot looked a little like Casey Jacobsen's with the same type of slow release. His shot was not as weird as Marion's though.

 

[PhxGametime]

I'm excited -

1. I had Barbosa originally as I believe 4th prospect until decided with #17 didn't want a PG under signature on June 1st (hehe b-day so remember) until recently removed.

2. Rookie Cards - sometimes players going back overseas, only get a few select Rookie Cards (hehe selfish?)

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by BbaLL_31
I'm excited -

1. I had Barbosa originally as I believe 4th prospect until decided with #17 didn't want a PG under signature on June 1st (hehe b-day so remember) until recently removed.

2. Rookie Cards - sometimes players going back overseas, only get a few select Rookie Cards (hehe selfish?)

??

I have absolutely no idea what you are saying here.

 

[jbeecham]

Yeah, I'm confused as well.

 

[Alan]

*joins the club*

 

[Goldfield]

Good I thought it was just me...

 

[PhxGametime]

Sorry my english, grammar, insight etc is poor

1. I meant to say - Barbosa was my 4th rated prospect early on (as of June 1st) until I decided I'd prefer a SF (I had list of prospects under signature). Well Suns got both SF and prospect was high on...

2. I don't collect sports cards as much as I did years back but players like Ilgauskas, Stojakovic, etc didn't have as many rookie cards (the various brands - Topps, Upper Deck, Fleer etc) - I'm assuming foreign players that didn't come to NBA soon after draft - example: Ilgauskas only has 1 rookie card for the whole 96-97 season(1 brand) - I'm only a collector (although was a big time collector - have good amount worth of cards, not bragging I take it serious and would've liked to open store up someday) and I'm sure with all the foreign players in NBA now, there is more of a selection now. Although highly likely, there was no guarantee Barbosa could get contract signed - although recently read that Barbosa contract ended in Brazil sometime recent and was relieved ... anyways before I take it too far, hope this clears it up?

 

[Goldfield]

I heard it was only a 1 year deal??? Is that correct?

 

[elindholm]

I heard it was only a 1 year deal??? Is that correct?

Can't be. All rookie contracts for first-round picks are the same. Three years guaranteed, fourth year team option, then the qualifying offer stuff for the fifth year and beyond.