Boston Celtics Sign Aron Baynes to 1-Year, $4.3 Million Deal
The Boston Celtics just got a whole lot bigger, and they were desperate for some size.
According to Yahoo’s Shams Charania, Boston signed center Aron Baynes to a 1 year, $4.3 million dollar deal. That short contract gives the Celtics flexibility to address their thin frontcourt in more creative ways next season, either through the draft or trades.
The center made a name for himself in San Antonio where he exceeded in a limited role. Since leaving the Spurs, he has largely underwhelmed. As a Piston, Baynes averaged 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 15 minutes per game. Baynes could see plenty of court time in Boston, as Ante Zizic’s development is progressing slower than many expected, judging by his summer league play.
Still, Baynes is a serviceable big body and that’s exactly what the Celtics need. At times last year, a scarecrow could have played better at center than Amir Johnson. Baynes should solve that problem.
Now, as the Celtics roster really starts to fill out, the Celtics frontcourt rotation looks a little like this:
Probable starters: Jae Crowder, Marcus Morris, Al Horford
Probable bench: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Aron Baynes
Probable deep bench: Semi Ojeleye, Guerschon Yabusele*, Ante Zizic
*Boston expects to have “Dancing Bear” on the roster, according to MassLive.com.
It’s quite possible that Baynes even starts at center if the Celtics aren’t comfortable with the Horford-Morris duo. Both Morris and Horford’s main deficiency is rebounding, which is concerning.
Many predicted the Celtics would use their mid-level exception on a center like Baynes or Dewayne Dedmon. Although Dedmon probably fits the roster better, Baynes definitely addresses the need for rebounding. His numbers project well (10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes) and his 6'10", 260-pound frame will be tough to move in the paint.
According to Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report, Baynes registered the 51st highest PER and the 31st best Real Plus-Minus among eligible centers.
The Celtics were 26th in the league as a team in rebounds per game (42) last season. Especially after the departure of Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller, Boston had an huge need for a backup center. Baynes is a decent backup on a cheap deal who can help them this year with one of their biggest weaknesses, and a good signing for the Celtics.
