Phoenix Suns sign Lenadro Barbosa for remainder of season

Jan 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa (10) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Suns defeated the Sixers 124-113. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The Phoenix Suns signed Leandro Barbosa back on January 8 to help replace guard Eric Bledsoe, who injured his knee and had surgery to replace a piece of torn meniscus. After 10 days were up, the Suns decided to give him a second 10-day contract.

Now, the Suns have decided to hold on to Barbosa, locking him up for the rest of the season on Tuesday.

Barbosa has played fairly well for the Suns despite playing in just 41 games because of an injury last season so this signing seemed like a no-brainer.

Plus, Bledsoe is unsure if he will return this season.

“If it’s possible,” Bledsoe told Paul Coro of AZ Central last week. “I’m taking it slow.

Suns’ coach Jeff Hornacek did mention that Bledsoe will soon join the team on the bench.

“Now he’s feeling better with his leg to get around and things don’t get stiff when he’s sitting there,” Hornacek said. “We told him we’d like you there as much as possible. Actually, during the games, when the point guards come off, you can sit with them and talk to him and tell them some of the things you see.”

Barbosa is averaging 8.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

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