Even after a 16-hour overnight flight from Brazil to Phoenix, newly-signed rookie point guard Leandro Barbosa still had enough gas left to please Suns Head Coach Frank Johnson in his first practice Wednesday evening. ?I?m very impressed with (his effort),? said Johnson, who carried a Portuguese/English translation guide with him to the Rookie/Free Agent Camp workout on the America West Arena practice court. ?He came in here after a long trip and practiced with energy.? The 6-3, 176-pound point guard, who the Suns acquired via a draft night trade with the Spurs, arrived late to camp because of visa difficulties. Upon landing in the Valley of the Sun Wednesday afternoon, the 28th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft immediately signed with Phoenix. ?I like how he pushes the ball up and down the court,? Johnson added. ?The guys know if they run, they are going to get the ball. He's looking to get it to them. He knows when to turn it on and when to turn it off. He changes his speed. ?And the fact that he?s tired from that long flight, I know there is something else there. Once he gets the language down and gets comfortable with the guys and calling plays, I think you?re going to see some things.? Johnson added that the 20-year-old guard has recovered from his hip injury suffered during one of his pre-draft workouts. Barbosa, who did not have his translator with him, was unavailable to comment after the practice. He and the rest of the Suns? rookie/free agents will conclude camp after Thursday morning?s session at AWA and then depart for Salt Lake City, Utah to play for Phoenix?s summer league entry in the Reebok Rocky Mountain Revue (July 18-26). i didnt quote still checking out new features
He is going to be a solid back up. I hope Marbury and him our on the court at the same time for 5-10 minutes or so.
