It wouldn’t be easy, but OKC GM Sam Presti has an opportunity to help a struggling second unit by adding Aron Baynes this NBA free agency period.
What Aron Baynes lacks in skill, he makes up for in toughness. It was his ability to bang in the post which allowed him to become more than just a role player for the crippled Celtics in their deep playoff run. He went from being a typical backup center to a key piece in Brad Stevens’ game plan which nearly took Boston to the Finals.
The 31-year old bruiser from New Zealand enters his seventh year in the league with a well-defined role. Be a rim protector on defense, a threat from mid-range on offense, and above all, a scrapper.
The Specifics:
- Height: 6’10
- Position: Center
- Experience: 6
- Age: 31
- Type of free agent: Unrestricted
- Hometown: New Zealand
- College: Washington State
- Previous Salary: $4.32 million
Fortunately for the Celtics, Al Horford was not among the many injuries they persevered through. Not to say Baynes doesn’t hold his own, but he isn’t a starter for a contending team. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Every good team needs reliable role players to come off the bench and do a job, which Baynes does well.