Leandro Barbosa ultimately chose the Celtics despite talks with the Lakers about joining them. He also said the crowded backcourt situation didn't deter him from signing with Boston.
"The Lakers had interest in myself, but I think Boston would be better for me," Barbosa said. "My agent talked and he said it would be great for me to be here. It’s the kind of situation that I was looking for, especially to play with [Rajon] Rondo. He likes to run and I love to run, so I think it will work really well."
As for playing time, Barbosa said he wasn't concerned despite the presence of Rondo, Courtney Lee, Jason Terry and Avery Bradley when Bradley returns from injury.
"They’re all good players. I’m here just to help," Barbosa said. "That will be on Doc [Rivers]. Doc’s call. He’s the coach. Whatever he has to do. I’m here to help."
Rivers said he was honest with Barbosa about the situation here and he found the Brazilian guard's attitude "refreshing."
"One thing I will give him credit for, I think he had us zeroed in on his radar and he understood all the players in front of him and he didn’t care, which is refreshing," Rivers said. "I understand that I may not play or I may play but if I can play I want to help. I was very honest with him. There’s a chance with the numbers. I’m not here to ruffle any feathers."
Barbosa did not play in the Celtics' final preseason game against the Sixers on Sunday. He is working out visa issues. The C's were also without Bradley, Chris Wilcox and Darko Milicic. Rivers said he wasn't worried about Darko's wrist injury and said the center could have played if it was the regular season.
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