Leandro Barbosa Injury: Updates on Warriors Guard's Shoulder and Return

Golden State Warriors guard Leandro Barbosa suffered a left-shoulder injury Dec. 25 against the Cleveland Cavaliers and had not played since. However, he is ready to return. 

Continue for updates.

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Barbosa Active vs. Heat

Monday, Jan. 11

Barbosa was available to play on Monday against Miami, according to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle. 

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Walton Comments on Barbosa's Injury

Friday, Dec. 25

Interim head coach Luke Walton told reporters Barbosa suffered a sprained shoulder, but he won't "immediately know more" about the severity of the injury, per Simmons. 

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Barbosa Provides Strong Veteran Presences to Warriors 

The 13-year veteran is in his second year with the world champion Warriors as a backup guard. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract this offseason to remain with the team.

Earlier in his career Barbosa was more of a scorer, even averaging 18.1 points per game mainly off the bench during the 2006-07 season with the Phoenix Suns.

Now he provides veteran leadership on the NBA's best team, while averaging 6.3 points and 1.5 assists per game.

Before the season started, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr praised the 33-year-old speedster who can get up and down the court faster than most in the league, per Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News:

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Sure, he makes some mistakes, but the speed that he gives us -- I mean, think about the impact that he's made this year. I'm almost surprised to be even having this conversation, really. I know people are going to pick everything apart, but ... this guy's made a tremendous impact on our team, and that's going to continue.

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When Barbosa was out, veteran shooting guard Brandon Rush saw more playing time. Shaun Livingston also was more of a factor in the backcourt rotation.