Basketball: Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns signed centre Scott Williams and Brazilian point guard Leandro Barbosa, the second of their two first-round draft picks, on Wednesday.

Williams, one of the Suns' most popular players, averaged four points and 2.8 rebounds in 69 games, 33 as a starter, last season. Williams hadn't played that much since appearing in 77 games with Philadelphia in the 1994-95 season.

He has played 13 NBA seasons and won three titles with the Chicago Bulls.

Barbosa, the No. 28 pick overall, signed a three-year deal worth about $2.17 million. The Suns' top pick, Serbian forward Zarko Cabarkapa, signed a three-year, $3.94-million contract Monday.

Barbosa was acquired in a draft-day trade with San Antonio to back up Stephon Marbury. He averaged 28.2 points a game in the Brazilian League last season. He returned to Phoenix this week after visa difficulties were resolved.

Barbosa and Cabarkapa are taking part in this week's Suns rook-free agent camp. Both rookies will play for in a summer league in Salt Lake City.

Phoenix fired Frank Johnson as their head coach yesterday.

I guess that happens when you're the team that breaks Orlando's 19-game losing streak.

[Edited on 12/12/2003 by Fox Mulder]