Hardwood Houdini
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Aron Baynes Could Fill Starting Center Role

ByLiam O'Brien|
AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 15: Aron Baynes 12 of the Detroit Pistons boxes out against Jeff Withey #24 of the Utah Jazz during the game on March 15, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 15: Aron Baynes 12 of the Detroit Pistons boxes out against Jeff Withey #24 of the Utah Jazz during the game on March 15, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

While he might not have been the flashiest offseason addition made by Boston, center Aron Baynes could be crowned the starting center for the squad.

Despite making a plethora of splashes in the backcourt this offseason by plucking Gordon Hayward in free agency and drafting former Duke standout Jayson Tatum with the No. 3 overall pick, the Boston Celtics have seen a multitude of departures at the center position.

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Perhaps these departures were for the best, as the likes of Amir Johnson, Tyler Zeller, and Kelly Olynyk contributed mightily to the team’s futile rebounding efforts throughout the season. However, the majority of minutes at the center position were manned by these three options, leaving a gaping hole which general manager Danny Ainge attempted to fill last week by signing free agent Aron Baynes to a one-year deal worth $4.3 million.

There’s little doubt that European center Ante Zizic has improved over the course of Celtics Summer League play, dominating the Portland Trail Blazers to the tune of nine points, 11 boards, and four blocks in a victory in Las Vegas on Sunday evening. However, head coach Brad Stevens has yet to see Zizic in live NBA action, and there are concerns surrounding his ability to handle to physicality of the game immediately out of the gates.

This is one aspect of the league that Baynes has little issue with. The 6’10”, 250-pounder made a reputation for himself as a bruiser over the last two seasons while with the Detroit Pistons, playing at least 75 games in each of the last two years. With a defensive rebound percentage of 21.6 percent last season, Baynes gives the Celtics a viable rebounding presence, something they craved so desperately throughout 2016-17.

He was a force to be reckoned with on the offensive glass as well last season, compiling an offensive rebounding percentage of 10 percent, and his 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes is impressive considering he spent the majority of his time alongside Andre Drummond, who finished second in the league with 13.8 boards per night.

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Stevens will most likely opt to stick with a small-ball lineup at the conclusion of tight games, a mix which could feature newly acquired forward Marcus Morris or Jae Crowder at the power forward spot and Al Horford at the center position. However, Baynes could see the chance to start in order to set a tone on the boards for the squad or to guard opposing post players. Expect him to fill the void that Johnson left in the starting lineup, except with a more tenacious approach on the glass.

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