Leandro

Barbosa

Barbosa hasn’t played in the NBA since 2017, but he’s been working with the Warriors as a player development coach. He’ll bring championship experience to an organization that is just looking to make it back to the postseason for the first time since 2006.

The 21-year-old from Brazil will back up Steve Nash, and is expected to take his game to the next level this season.

He has missed three games with a sprained right ankle.

That means being Steve Nash’s primary backup. Barbosa must spend at least two more games on the IL, but his looming return means the Suns probably won’t bring back Smush Parker after his 10-day contract is up Friday.

Barbosa has yet to play this season, but coach Frank Johnson said he’ll get his chance against the Warriors.

Johnson said Barbosa has whatever time he needs to ''clear his head and his heart.’'

Barbosa is a point guard, but his extra time won’t come at the expense of Stephon Marbury. Barbosa is capable of playing both guard positions, so D’Antoni can pair him with Marbury from time to time.

A press conference announcing the deal is scheduled for Friday and he’ll then join the Brazilian national team, which is participating in the World Basketball Championships. Barbosa averaged a career-high 13.1 points per game last season and shot 44 percent from the 3-point line, good for third in the league. He’ll have late-round fantasy value in drafts this fall.

He’ll now join the Brazilian national team for the World Basketball Chamionships and will backup both guard positions for the Suns this season.

He’ll probably get another start in Game 4, as Bell’s not expected to play in that one either. Barbosa hit 6-of-14 shots and hit a three, but the Suns aren’t as quick without Bell on the floor, even though Barbosa is regarded as the fastest player in the league.