Suns G Barbosa leaves team following death of mother

Nov 14, 2008 - 5:53 PM SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- Phoenix Suns guard Leandro Barbosa left the team to join his family in Brazil following the death of his 66-year-old mother, according to several reports.

Barbosa left for Brazil on Thursday following the death of Dona Ivete Barbosa, who had been fighting pneumonia in a Brazilian hospital for more than a month.

The 6-3 Barbosa, considered one of the fastest players in the NBA, missed two weeks of training camp under new coach Terry Porter out of concern for his mother's health.

Barbosa, perhaps preoccupied with his mother's health, has struggled to start the season, averaging just 10.9 points through the first nine games.

It's uncertain when Barbosa will rejoin the Suns.