Boston Celtics acquire veteran point guard Leandro Barbosa – NBA Update
Boston Celtics has added more firepower to their already deep back court and have done so by the addition of veteran point guard Leandro Barbosa.
The Celtics were apparently intent on giving the last guard position to either one of Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith, but after the duo failed to impress in the pre-season so far, they decided to go for experience and although
it is still to be confirmed officially, the Brazilian has agreed on a veteran’s minimum.
Barbosa, 30, is a 9 veteran in the league, and is a shoot first point guard. His addition will certainly boost Boston’s shooting arsenal, but is not bound to help out Rajon Rondo.
Doc River, the Celtics coach, know that, but seems unperturbed;
"Every team doesn't have two great point guards," Rivers said. "Most teams don't. I think when you count Courtney Lee and (Terry) and Avery, all three are ball handlers -- none of the three are pure point guards. But they can certainly
play the other."
With Barbosa’s addition, the Celtics’ guard combination has become arguably the strongest in the league. They now have two former sixth men of the year in Barbosa and Terry, and also have the likes of Avery Bradley and Courtney
Lee to assist Rondo. Barbosa’s addition also beefs up the bench strength of the C’s, something which bugged them throughout last season. More importantly, the Greens now have the tools to match the inside-out and fast paced transition offense of the Miami
Heat, the major team standing in the way of their quest of a NBA finals appearance.
In Terry and Barbosa, they have slick sharp shooters, who can match the credentials of Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Mike Miller and co, while Courtney Lee and a fit Avery Bradley can counter the pace of Dwyane Wade and the Heat point
guards. This will also take a lot of burden off Rondo’s shoulders.
Barbosa has a career average of 12.5 points and 2.4 assists. His last season was split between the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers. He played in 64 games with no starts, and averaged 11.5 points in 21.6 minutes.
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