In Aron Baynes, Boston Celtics have themselves an ‘instigator’
The Boston Celtics officially announced the signing of Australian big man Aron Baynes Wednesday and he is ready to bring some muscle.
This has been quite a summer for the Boston Celtics. Mixed in with the signing big free agent signing of Gordon Hayward, drafting Jayson Tatum and trading Avery Bradley, the team took care of their rebounding needs with the signing of Australian center Aron Baynes.
The big man signed a one-year, $4.3 million deal with the team and apparently took less to come to Boston. That alone would tell you that the 6-10 center is committed to winning.
In an introductory press conference Wednesday, the team as well as Baynes expressed excitement about something else the veteran big man brings to the team…attitude and toughness.
"“He adds rebounding and toughness to our team that we really need,” Celtics assistant general manager Mike Zarren said, as transcribed by The Boston Herald. “Red Auerbach said get the instigators and not the retaliators and Aron is definitely an instigator.”"
Baynes, who won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds last season with the Detroit Pistons. Keep in mind that he was playing behind athletic big man Andre Drummond.
Related Story: Aron Baynes adds board-banging toughness to Boston Celtics frontcourt
More minutes, more muscle
An opportunity for more playing time was a main factor in his decision to test free agency and ultimately led him to Boston. With Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynyk now gone, along with the inexperience of rookie center Ante Zizic, Baynes will have an opportunity to get more than the 15.5 minutes per game he averaged in Detroit.
"“I think being in the NBA, everyone wants to play more. If you don’t want to play more, you’re not in the right spot,” Baynes said. “I’m excited for the opportunity and hopefully I can go out there and earn some minutes. We’ll see if what I bring is what Brad [Stevens] wants. I’m hoping it is and looking forward to it.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
The interesting takeaway there is what the Celtics coach wants.
Typically, a player like Baynes wouldn’t fit into Stevens style of play. However, with the way the team was dominated on the boards, a big man that can bang and do the dirty work is necessary.
The signing of Baynes also allows Al Horford to play more of the four, which is his comfort zone.
So while this is not that big move fans may have been hoping for (see Marc Gasol rumors), I think this will be an under the radar type signing that will improve the Boston Celtics team through the 2017-18 season.
If they are going to continue to compete with the Cleveland Cavaliers, they need someone to bang down low with Tristian Thompson. They need an instigator who will show LeBron James and company that they are in for a fight.
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