After a slight work-induced delay, our Leandro Barbosa Day feature continues with some YouTubes of The Brazilian Blur.
First up is a Top 10, featuring some of Leandro's best plays from the 2006-07 season. Thanks go to SwingMan for finding this one.
During one of Brazil's games in the recent FIBA Americas tournament, I noticed a play where Leandro was out on the break all by himself without a defender in sight. I remember thinking that 99% of all NBA players would throw that down without a second thought, yet LB simply laid the ball in, then very politely placed it on the floor and ran back on defense. But he can dunk when he wants to. This video is proof:
Here's a clip of Leandro and Steve Nash singing a duet at the Charity Classic this past July (might want to stick to playing basketball, LB).
There is something about playing the LA Lakers that brings out the best in Leandro. During the 2006 playoffs, he was especially instrumental in helping the Suns recover from a 1-3 deficit to win the series. He was just as much of a "Laker killer" in 2007, such as on this night when he scored 26 points in Game 1.
Last but not least, here's another look at that game-winner against Chicago this past January:
For more Leandro Barbosa YouTubes, go here. Also, if you haven't already done so, be sure to check out Sephirot's three diaries about Leandro's Brazilian national team. There is one about the coach, one about the guards, and one about the forwards and centers, each written from the perspective of someone who lives in Brazil.