Leandro Barbosa Struggling With Wrist Pain Needs Surgery

by Seth Pollack on Jan 23, 2010 12:49 AM MST in Phoenix Suns News

Leandro Barbosa continues to struggle with pain in his wrist as a result of a cyst that needs to be surgically removed. The team doctor told him the recovery would take "a while" and wants to wait until the season is over. (Photo by Max Simbron)

Leandro Barbosa is frustrated with his play right now. For the first time in his life his shot isn't falling and while he's trying to remain positive and find way to contribute on the defensive end of the floor, the cyst in his right (shooting) wrist continues to plague him.

"I'm struggling you know. I can't get my shot in. It's been tough for me," said Barbosa. "I still have my problem with my wrist I just talked with the doctor and the doctor said I need the surgery but it would take too long if I do right now so tomorrow after the game he's going to try and drain it because it's too big, it's stiff. I can not do anything."

I asked Leandro how long the doctor said the recovery from the surgery would take and he wasn't sure if the doctor said "4 weeks" or "4 months" but that he wants to wait until the end of the season because it would take "a while".

"Of course I want to be healthy and not have this thing in my wrist but I guess I need to talk with the trainers and coaches to see what I'm going to do," Barbosa explained.

Leandro has struggled with pain and stiffness in his wrist all season and as a result is shooting a career low 33% from three and 42% from the field.

Audio: Barbosa 012210

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Personally

I think he should just get it done. He’s not helping us much right now playing injured. It’s obvious its affecting his shot. Give the minutes to Dragic and JRich.

If its going to be such an issue its just not worth waiting, especially the way we have been playing lately anyway.

by AcucracK on Jan 23, 2010 1:55 AM MST reply actions 1 recs

+1

Grant Hill is totally the next MJ!!

by gadogry on Jan 23, 2010 6:49 AM MST up reply actions

+2

Steve Nash, the league's MVP, is a longhaired Canadian who spoke out against the war in Iraq and reads The Communist Manifesto. Quentin Richardson declared after a game-winning shot that it "was like Hamlet. It was a suspense thriller, and I killed them at the end." Amare Stoudemire, when asked to comment on a 22-point third quarter against the Kings, said, "I've got a tendency to jump over some guys' heads and throw it down."

by rsavaj on Jan 23, 2010 10:19 AM MST up reply actions

+3., with the observation that the need for surgery probably protects him from being packaged in a Richardson or Stoudemire trade. Would anyone want a player who needs wrist surgery?

by species8473 on Jan 23, 2010 1:28 PM MST reply actions