Boston Celtics: Pass or pursue on 7 marquee free agents
By Mark Nilon
Potential Boston Celtics free-agent target No. 2) Aron Baynes
Aron Baynes is a player that the Houdini, and frankly the entire media world, has suggested as a potential target for the Boston Celtics this offseason. In fact, we’ve brought his name up in a previous “Pass or Pursue” installment.
It’s no secret that Cs fans were quite upset when Danny Ainge traded the Aussie big man on draft night last offseason. Being that the team needs to seriously address their pivot rotation this offseason, perhaps a reunion between the center and the shamrocks could be a feel-good story for all parties involved — including the fanbase.
Since parting from the franchise, Baynes proved that, when given a larger role, he has the ability to produce at a fantastic level. Through 42 games with the Phoenix Suns (28 starts) the 33-year-old posted career highs of 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 38 percent from deep (four attempts per game).
In our humble opinion, the idea of Boston targeting Baynes this offseason makes sense. From his familiarity with Brad Stevens’ scheme to his much-improved ability to space the floor, the 6-10, 260-pound big is a presence the Cs could seriously use within their rotation moving forward.
If willing to sign with the franchise on an MLE, pursuing Aron Baynes should be a no-brainer.