New York Knicks: Deep Sleepers To Consider In Free Agency

Leandro Barbosa, Unrestricted Free Agent

Position: Guard
Age: 33 (11/28/1982)
Slash Line: .462/.355/.839
Season Averages: 15.9 MPG, 6.4 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.6 3PM

Had the Golden State Warriors won the 2016 NBA championship, one of the true heroes of the NBA Finals would’ve been Leandro Barbosa. Presented with an opportunity to shine on a big stage, The Brazilian Blur was exceptional in his limited action.

A capable 3-point shooter who still has the end-to-end speed to live up to the Brazilian Blur nickname, Barbosa could be a sneaky addition as a third or fourth guard.

The New York Knicks addressed the backcourt by trading for point guard Derrick Rose. What’s needed at guard, however, is the type of dependable depth that only an established veteran can provide.

Considering the Knicks’ backcourt is nowhere near as deep as Golden State’s, the efficient Barbosa could have a productive 2016-17 season in New York.

A career 38.8 percent shooter from beyond the arc, Barbosa can work off-ball and space the floor. He can also attack off the bounce and get out in transition, thus exploiting slower on-ball defenders in isolation, and lazy teams in transition.

On a deal that shouldn’t cost the Knicks very much against the cap, Barbosa could be a delightful signing for these postseason hopefuls.

Next: Quickness Shooting