He's only 29 but the Brazilian (joining countrymen Fab Melo) has been in the NBA for nine seasons already. He made his name with the Suns where he spent seven years before a year and a half with the Raptors then the final part of last season with the Pacers. He won the Sixth man of the year award in 2006-07 for Phoenix after averaging 18.1 points per game. Between Toronto and Indiana last season, he averaged 11.1 points per game in 64 games.
Like new teammate Jason Terry-who also has a Sixth Man of the Year award on his resume-Barbosa has always been more comfortable coming off the bench. In 588 career games, he's made only 109 starts. He's averaged 12.5 points per game, including 39% on 3-pointers, 46% from the field and 82% from the foul line. He's never been known as much of a passer (his highest average was 4.0 assists per game in 2006-07), he's a pure scorer and instant offense. I'm sure he's slowed down some but at one point, he must have been one of the fastest guys in the NBA. I know that's impossible to really judge but he got from one basket to the other as fast as anybody with the ball on his hand.
At this earlier juncture, his role is yet to be determined. When Avery Bradley returns, the Celtics will have more depth, especially in the backcourt than I can ever remember in recent years: Rajon Rondo, Bradley, Courtney Lee, Jason Terry, Kris Joseph and Barbosa. It's often said in any sport that you can never have too much talent and as long as they get Barbosa on the same page with them, he could be a nice pickup with real upside.
UPDATE 10/30: As expected, today the Celtics picked up the fourth-year option (next year) on guard Avery Bradley. He is due back sometime in December after two shoulder surgeries last spring.
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