Golden State Warriors Playoff Rotation: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Mar 21, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard

(19) drives in against Utah Jazz guard

(3) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Leandro Barbosa

As of now, it seems like Steve Kerr is undecided about Barbosa’s role this postseason. After only playing 20 or more minutes eight times this year, Kerr has left Barbosa in for 20 minutes or more four times since March 18th, giving him a chance to make a case for his spot in the playoff rotation At 32, Barbosa’s best years are certainly behind him, but he still has the ability to contribute for a playoff team, as he’s proved this season.

And during this two-week audition, Barbosa came to play. He scored in double figures in three consecutive games and hit 50% of his three-pointers in that span, perhaps proving to Kerr that last season’s 28% clip from behind the arc was an anomaly, and his current 40% average is closer to the norm. In addition to his shooting, Barbosa’s ability to help run the offense and get up and down the court also helps his case for the postseason rotation.

Barbosa has only scored 13 points in his past four games, which exposes some inconsistency in his play, but overall his skill set and style of play fits perfectly into the Warriors’ offense, and it would be remiss of Kerr to under-utilize him this postseason.

Verdict: In.

Next: Holiday