The Boston Celtics could really use a big, tough defensive-minded center that can stretch the floor. It now seems they had one until they traded Aron Baynes to the Phoenix Suns last summer in order to clear cap space.
In the Phoenix Suns 127-117 win over the Portland Trailblazers last night, Baynes came away with 37 points, 16 boards and two blocks. Get this! He shot 52% from the field, 9-of-14 on treys, and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
The 33-year-old Australian is shooting 36% on 3-pointers for the Suns this season, and he remains one tough defender for opponents in the painted area. That part of Aron's game has not changed. He is virtually unmovable under the hoop and will take on any player brave enough to attack the rim.
Baynes became the Suns' starting center when DeAndre Ayton was suspended for 25 games for a failed drug test. Aron performed admirably during that stint, and he continues to do so. The Celtics dropped another game last night, this time to the Utah Jazz. Could The Green have used the services of the much-loved Aussie? You bet! Be assured that Danny Ainge wishes there had been a way to retain Baynes-ey.
Aron will earn $5.2 million this season and $5.4 million in 2020-21. He signed that contract with Boston prior to being traded. What appeared at the time to be a necessary move has become a questionable one. Baynes' replacement on the roster, Enes Kanter, has seen his minutes dip considerable lately. We can be sure that almost everyone connected with the Celtics were sad to see Aron go, but his big body, huge heart - and, yes - his ability to now stretch the floor - is sorely missed. His blue-collar, lunch pail mentality would fit in nicely on that second unit with Marcus Smart.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, CausewayStreet
In the Phoenix Suns 127-117 win over the Portland Trailblazers last night, Baynes came away with 37 points, 16 boards and two blocks. Get this! He shot 52% from the field, 9-of-14 on treys, and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
Aron Baynes made history tonight 😤
— Entirely Sports (@Entirely_Sports) March 7, 2020
pic.twitter.com/bVi405oRwk
The 33-year-old Australian is shooting 36% on 3-pointers for the Suns this season, and he remains one tough defender for opponents in the painted area. That part of Aron's game has not changed. He is virtually unmovable under the hoop and will take on any player brave enough to attack the rim.
Yes, Aron Baynes hit 9 threes in one of the most dominant single game performances in NBA history.
— SunOfficial Aron Baynes Fan Club (@BaynesFanClub) March 7, 2020
He also just stood there like a f*cking brick wall defending the paint.
Legend. pic.twitter.com/gBrWNuzKu1
Baynes became the Suns' starting center when DeAndre Ayton was suspended for 25 games for a failed drug test. Aron performed admirably during that stint, and he continues to do so. The Celtics dropped another game last night, this time to the Utah Jazz. Could The Green have used the services of the much-loved Aussie? You bet! Be assured that Danny Ainge wishes there had been a way to retain Baynes-ey.
Aron will earn $5.2 million this season and $5.4 million in 2020-21. He signed that contract with Boston prior to being traded. What appeared at the time to be a necessary move has become a questionable one. Baynes' replacement on the roster, Enes Kanter, has seen his minutes dip considerable lately. We can be sure that almost everyone connected with the Celtics were sad to see Aron go, but his big body, huge heart - and, yes - his ability to now stretch the floor - is sorely missed. His blue-collar, lunch pail mentality would fit in nicely on that second unit with Marcus Smart.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, CausewayStreet
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