From Warriors X-factor player to invaluable coach

Barbosa embodies perfect combo of joy, focus as Warriors coach originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As Steve Kerr sat in a folding chair near the scorer’s table Monday during Warriors practice at FedExForum, one day before their Game 2 showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference semifinals, he watched Juan Toscano-Anderson talk trash and direct traffic, Jonathan Kuminga hit two straight 3-pointers — the first which was a result of a shooter’s roll and the second swishing through the net — and Chris Chiozza called game with a 3-pointer at the buzzer during a scrimmage conducted by assistant coach Jama Mahlalela the morning after Golden State opened the second round with a win on the road.

There was another familiar face running up and down the floor pointing to where players should get in position on offense while playing physical defense on rookie Moses Moody and others. This speedster hasn’t suited up for the Warriors since the 2015-16 season, though he still is getting buckets in a different league and looks the part of an NBA player. At 39 years old, Leandro Barbosa is both the Warriors’ secret weapon and an invaluable resource for veterans and youngsters alike.

With Gary Payton II fracturing his left elbow and being out for the next three-to-five weeks as a result of Dillon Brooks’ dirty hit from behind just three minutes into the Warriors’ Game 2 loss Tuesday night, the Warriors probably could use the former fan-favorite’s services on the court again, too.

“It’s huge, because days like today you got the eight or nine guys who played big minutes last night and are getting their recovery and rest,” Kerr said Monday in an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area. “These guys need their rhythm, talking about the players who didn’t play a lot. You have to have multiple coaches who are capable of running down the floor, and LB isn’t only capable, he can still play in the league.

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“It’s a great…