Will we see the Brazilian Blur once again?
It has been reported Toronto Raptors guard Leandro Barbosa has been thinking over whether he should stay in the NBA or explore his options playing internationally.
Barbosa had played with a lingering wrist injury all season, and will probably have to deal with it for the rest of his career. This offseason, Leandro Barbosa has a player option of $7.6 million, something which he will most probably exercise. Although Barbosa won't likely see that type of money in a contract with a new team, this is also a good opportunity for the 28-year-old to net a multi-year deal.
Barbosa's scoring average of 13.3 points per game in 24 minutes was an improvement from the year before, where he only averaged 9.5 points per game in 18 minutes of play. Barbosa played in 58 games with the Raptors, but that was an improvement after only playing in 48 the season before.
Due to the chance of a lock-out season, Barbosa is thinking about playing in his home country of Brazil. According to his brother Arturo Barbosa, playing in Brazil is more appealing now then ever as their economy continues to grow. Leandro's player option might not be so appealing if he's not going to get paid for a portion of next season.
What Does this Mean for the Raptors?
Cons:
Barbosa had a very solid season, averaging 13.3 points per game off the bench. Many teams desire a sixth man, and Barbosa is one of the better sixth men in the league.
Barbosa adjusted to the team very well and seemed more comfortable as time went on. It is likely that in his second season in Toronto (after a summer of rehabbing his wrist), Barbosa can be even better.
Per 36 minutes, Barbosa scored 19 points per game. If he leaves the Raptors will miss his quickness and penetrating capabilities. If Toronto adds at least two more impact players, it'll be a borderline playoff team (at least), and Barbosa would anchor the bench similar to Memphis guard O.J Mayo, and Dallas sixth man Jason Terry.
Pros:
Though losing Barbosa won't be easy, there are some benefits to him not exercising his option.
First off, the $7.6 million Toronto saves could be more valuable than Barbosa himself. It's hard to tell what the new CBA will leave teams with, but assuming everything stays the same for a minute, Toronto will have $19 million in cap space with Barbosa.
That's enough for one star ($12m/yr), and it's also enough to add another solid player (around $7m/yr). If Barbosa chooses not to stay, Toronto will have $27 million to spend on free agency. The difference is enough to upgrade our would-be second free agent to another all-star caliber player (around $12/yr).
Obviously if the CBA leaves teams with a lot less (which it will), than we probably won't pick up near-max contracts in the summer. This doesn't mean we shouldn't be optimistic because as the cap is lowered players will be paid less accordingly. Considering there aren't any real "max" players this summer, the Raptors will still be in position to pick up two borderline all-stars this summer if Barbosa decides to leave.
(A few examples of players we could get would be: Nene, Wilson Chandler; Marc Gasol, Tayshaun Prince; David West, Caron Butler; J. Crawford, DeAndre Jordan; Jeff Green, Tyson Chandler, etc.)
Imagine Toronto's current young roster improving, adding two more stars, and drafting a stand-out rookie in the next few weeks. If that's not a playoff team, I don't know what is.
Many feel Leandro Barbosa's contributions could be replaced by his pupil Jarred Bayless, and as Raptors fans we should be happy for him if leaving is what he really wants.
Overall, if things go well this summer, Barbosa's departure could be a blessing in disguise, just like his arrival was.
Kate Groombridge Dania Ramirez Lucy Liu LeAnn Rimes Adrianne Curry
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