NBA Free Agency: Aron Baynes well suited for OKC Thunder

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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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.

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