13 Players the Golden State Warriors signed past their prime
By Tyler Watts
11. Leandro Barbosa
The Brazilian Blur was the 28th overall pick in 2003 and ended up on the Suns after a draft night trade. He played off the bench for nearly his entire 14-year NBA career. During his peak, the 6’3 guard was one of the league’s best sixth men, including taking home the top honors in 2007. From 2006 to 2009, he averaged 15.4 points, 3.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 28.8 minutes per game.
His playing time and production dropped off in his 30s. Barbosa was entering his 12th NBA season when he signed with the Warriors in 2014. Golden State was his fifth team in the last four years, and he had not averaged double-digit points per game since 2012.
He was no longer the Brazilian Blur, but Barbosa played a key bench role on a team that reached the NBA Finals two straight years. The 6’3 guard helped the Dubs win the championship in 2015. He played a similar role the following season as Golden State blew a 3-1 lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
Golden State Warriors fans did not get to see the best of Leandro Barbosa, but that did not stop him from being an impactful part of their dynasty. After his playing career, he rejoined the organization as a coach and helped them win another ring in 2022.