"Suns guard Leandro Barbosa got farther away from the basket with his shots Monday, putting him closer to a return.

Barbosa was given a full medical clearance Monday, allowing him to use Monday's pregame time to take his first perimeter shots since he underwent surgery Jan. 26 to remove a cyst from his right wrist. There is no timetable for Barbosa's return to game action, especially with the Suns not having any practices this week because they are in a five-day, four-game stretch.

Barbosa said his expectation was that the Suns would use next week's five consecutive off days to prepare him for a return, but he said he might be able to get in some two-on-two or three-on-three work this week with the Suns' younger players.

"It feels good," Barbosa said. "It's a little stiff, but it's better than what I thought (it would be) so I'm very happy."

Barbosa said he needs to get stronger because he had not been able to lift weights but added that strength and conditioning coach Mike Elliott has pushed him to stay in good condition. When Barbosa returns, he expects to play with a light wrap on the wrist.

This season's game total will be Barbosa's lowest of his career. He has played 29 of 62 games.

"I definitely want to play," Barbosa said. "I'm hungry. I'm thirsty. I've got to make sure I'm ready. We are a very good team. We're starting to realize we can go a far way. When I get there, I'll try to help.""