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Boston Celtics: Will Aron Baynes continue to make an impact on this team?

By Jesse Cinquini

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)
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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Aron Baynes served as the starting center for the Boston Celtics for the majority of last season. Assuming he will be taken out of the starting lineup this year, will he still be able to have an impact on the success of this team?

Coming into last season, I was unsure what to expect from Aron Baynes. I was familiar with who he was because of his years with the San Antonio Spurs, but I was not necessarily aware of the skills that he brought to the table. I simply knew that we needed a big, and Baynes fit the model of a prototypical NBA center.

Once the 2017-18 season began, I quickly realized that Aron would be an important piece to this team. His defensive instincts are something that instantly stood out. His ability to protect the rim was something that I was pleasantly surprised with. Baynes is one of the very best at using the rule of verticality to his advantage. His excellence as a mid-range jump shooter also stuck out very early into the year. He knocked down open jumpers all year long, making the defense pay for leaving him open on the perimeter.

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Some believe that Aron Baynes will not make a significant impact this season because he will be coming off the bench. I think it is important to remember that regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench, Baynes’ skill-set fills many needs for Boston. He is an excellent rebounder who averaged 5.4 per game in just 18.3 minutes last year. His rebounding skills alone will keep Baynes on the floor for a decent amount this season. And, when you factor in his elite defensive ability, there is no reason to why Baynes will play significantly less than he did last year.

Aron Baynes will continue to have an impact on the Celtics until he is no longer on the team. His multitude of skills are so valuable in today’s NBA, and the C’s realize that. His ability to impact the game when he is on the court, especially defensively, is invaluable. It is very possible that his minutes might not even take a dip, considering he only played slightly over 18 per game last season. Aron will be an instrumental piece to the Boston Celtics next season. In order for this team to reach its goal of winning a title, Baynes will need to play at a high level.

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