Aron Baynes adds board-banging toughness to Boston Celtics frontcourt
With the signing of Aron Baynes, the Boston Celtics add a big man who could help cure some of the team’s rebounding needs.
The Boston Celtics addressed one of their most glaring needs with the signing of free-agent big man Aron Baynes to a one-year, $4.3 million contract. The addition of the Australian bruiser gives the team an inside presence they were lacking throughout the regular season and during their playoff run.
While Baynes is not a household name, he brings toughness and championship experience to a team on the brink of overtaking the Cleveland Cavaliers. In other words, he is a player who will do the dirty work down low and battle against the Tristian Thompson’s of the world.
For a team that finished the season ranked 27th in rebounding overall, adding a player like Aron Baynes could certainly help in the one area the team struggled in.
"“[Baynes] adds toughness to our team,” Celtics assistant coach Walter McCarty said in an interview with NBA Australia. “He’s a guy who plays with a lot of energy. He plays tough, very gritty.“We need rebounding at the four and five, I think that (Baynes) really brings that. That’s what we need, that’s what we struggle with.”"
A veteran presence on the boards
The team also hopes 2016 first-round pick Ante Zizic is also able to help address the team’s rim-protecting, rebounding needs. Playing behind Baynes should help the 20-year-old center get a feel of the NBA and also feed off the energy the veteran big man provides.
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As far as the Celtics expectations for Aron Baynes goes, McCarty said the team is just hopeful that he continues to play the way he has always played.
"“Hopefully he comes in and continues to do what he’s done his whole career; That’s rebound the basketball, make tough plays, give us some offensive possessions when we need them,” McCarty said. “The NBA season is a long season. I’m sure we’re going to need him to start sometimes, you just never know.”"
It sounds like if Baynes gives the Boston Celtics the type of effort he did with the San Antonio Spurs and last season with the Detroit Pistons, he will become a fan favorite rather quickly.
In just 15 minutes per game with the Pistons, he averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds. The rebounding numbers could increase on a team filled with guards and versatile swing men.
Next: Boston Red Sox midseason report card: Grading the first half of the season
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