BRA - Leandrinho returns from torn ACL
SAO PAULO (NBB) - Brazil international Leandrinho Barbosa is back on the court and ready for competition again after recovering from a torn ACL. The veteran has penned a deal with Pinheiros/Sky, the side that won the 2013 FIBA Americas League in April and just several weeks ago fell to Olympiacos in the Intercontinental Cup. Barbosa is thought to have a ...
SAO PAULO (NBB) - Brazil international Leandrinho Barbosa is back on the court and ready for competition again after recovering from a torn ACL.
The veteran has penned a deal with Pinheiros/Sky, the side that won the 2013 FIBA Americas League in April and just several weeks ago fell to Olympiacos in the Intercontinental Cup.
Barbosa is thought to have a get-out clause that would allow him to sign with an NBA team should the opportunity arise.
The 1.91m shooting guard, who turns 31 on 28 November, had been in fine fettle earlier this year with the Boston Celtics when he injured his left knee in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats.
"I've been out for more than seven months and I can't wait to play an official game," he said.
"I can't stand having to watch basketball on television.
"I'm here at Pinheiros and very happy with the opportunity that this wonderful club has given me.
"This arrival at Pinheiros is a new life for me and I am thrilled to be part of this family that this team is."
Barbosa will be with the squad when Pinheiros host defending champions Flamengo on Saturday.
The veteran has had a solid career.
Named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year in 2007 while with the Phoenix Suns, Barbosa has also played for the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers and Boston.
During the NBA Lockout of 2011, Barbosa competed for Flamengo.
He has played for Brazil in a lot of tournaments, too, including most recently 2012 when the squad reached the Quarter-Finals of the 2012 Olympics in London.
Barbosa averaged 16.2 points at those Summer Games.
While a move to the NBA at some point this season is possible, he is only focused on his new challenge in Brazil.
"It appears that I will have no trouble adapting," he said.
"All of the players in the team understand the game...
"We are in search of victories and I will try to give my best. People here like to run a lot and that reminds me of the style of the Phoenix Suns at the time I was there.
"I really like to play this way and it makes it very easy."
FIBA