Explaining My Irrational Love of Leandro Barbosa
By Greg Chin
I would consider myself a rational man. I use advanced statistics, analytics, and game footage to form my arguments when it comes to teams and players. I appreciate the screens Andrew Bogut sets for his teammates, the exquisite defense Draymond Green plays, and the off-ball cuts that Klay Thompson uses for wide-open shots.
But there’s something that I can’t quite explain: my irrational love for Leandro Barbosa.
Considered a backup point guard for most of his career, Barbosa made his comeback to the NBA this season after spending most of last year playing overseas. His previous relationship with coach Steve Kerr is what gave him the opportunity with the Golden State Warriors, but everything he’s accomplished since then is all a result of hard work from the Brazilian.
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Not much has changed with Barbosa’s style of play. He still plays with the intensity and ferocity on offense, driving into the lane, slashing his way to the rim. He is still a streaky three-point shooter, but is shooting a good 40.9 percent this season. His defense is much improved, and isn’t quite the liability he was earlier in his career.
Early on in the season, many fans would groan when Barbosa was subbed into the game. He was still easing himself into the team’s offense, and his “head down, drive to the basket” style was a big contrast to what Kerr wanted his team’s offense to look like.
But oddly enough, I found myself cheering when Barbosa entered the game.
Let me explain. I am a fan of team-basketball. I prefer watching the Warriors fizz the ball around, constantly looking for the better shot, which often results in an open look. But when Barbosa does something like this, I can’t help but smile.
That play involved a 6’3” guard driving to the rim against three lengthy (and much bigger) defenders – one of which is Rudy Gobert, who allows just 46.3 percent within six feet of the basket. By advanced metrics and statistics, Barbosa’s shot isn’t a “good” shot, and in all likelihood should have been blocked.
As a “stats” guy, I shouldn’t like the play. But as a fan, I love it.
There is just something about Barbosa.
First, he makes weird sounding noises when the Warriors’ Instagram videos. (Seriously, what is that noise meant to be?)
Next, he stars in elaborate videos where he sings “All Night Long”. (Can we get a remix of this with the Warriors?)
Then, he does things like these.
That was a finger roll from the three-point line….
And tops it all off by calling out the Warriors’ biggest rivals.
FLOP TIME!!https://t.co/kbh4YOss3r
— Leandro Barbosa (@TheBlurBarbosa) March 10, 2015
As we head into the playoffs, we might not see much of Barbosa coming off the bench. Despite his improved defense, he can still be found wanting on multiple occasions. Bench players play less of a role in the playoffs, and while he provides energy and scoring off the pine, coach Kerr might want to stick with a shortened rotation. But let’s end things on a high note. What does Leandro Barbosa think are the Warriors’ chances of winning it all this season?
Well said, Leandro. #wegonnabechampionship