Breaking News: Former Spurs Champion Interested in Continuing Playing Career.

Aron Baynes, who hasn’t played in an NBA game since 2021, is still keen on extending his basketball career. The Australian last played for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL, averaging 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. As he approaches his 38th birthday in December, another NBA opportunity seems unlikely, and he has not yet signed with any NBL team for the 2024-25 season. However, he has expressed that he is not ready to retire.

In a recent ESPN interview with Olgan Uluc, Baynes shared his thoughts on continuing to play, stating he “feels good.” He mentioned, “I’m not labeling anything. My body feels good. I love playing the game. Right now, I’m focused on my family and being there for my kids, enjoying the flexibility of not having a strict schedule aside from school drop-off and pick-up.”

Baynes’ NBA Journey

Baynes entered the 2009 NBA Draft but went undrafted, eventually making his debut in 2013 with the San Antonio Spurs. His rookie season saw him play only 16 games, all as a reserve, but he took on a bigger role the following year, starting four of 53 games and contributing to the Spurs’ 2014 NBA Championship. After another season in San Antonio, he joined the Detroit Pistons in 2015.

After two challenging years in Detroit, Baynes moved to the Boston Celtics in 2017, where he enjoyed the most significant playing time of his career, starting 67 games and participating in 12 playoff games that season. He spent another year with the Celtics, albeit in a smaller role, before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2019.

Baynes had a standout season in Phoenix, averaging 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 42 games during the 2019-20 season, shooting 48% from the field and a career-best 35.1% from three-point range. He played for the Toronto Raptors in the 2020-21 season, likely his final year in the NBA.

Over his nine-year NBA career, Baynes averaged 6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

Final Thoughts on Aron Baynes

While Baynes is not on a path to the Basketball Hall of Fame, lacking All-Star selections and significant accolades aside from his championship, he is still regarded as one of the more underrated big men of his era. Throughout his career, he evolved into a credible perimeter shooter and was a versatile player. Although his future in basketball remains uncertain, he appears content with his journey thus far.