Former Toronto Raptors center Aron Baynes is stepping away from the game of basketball.
Baynes played 522 games throughout his nine years, averaging 6.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists. He shot 48.9 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three-point range, as he started to expand his range towards the end of his career.
Notably, he cashed in on a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. He was a backup center during Tim Duncan’s latter stages and eventually expanded his role.
Baynes would go on to play for the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns and Raptors as his final stop. He was an underrated piece with the Suns in turning them into a respectable team.
The boy from Mareeba! Representing you for your entire career has been the honor of a lifetime. You embody everything we teach young athletes about professionalism, dedication and playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not on the back.
Love you Azza! All the very best… pic.twitter.com/bejepCQA2t
— Daniel Moldovan (@AgentMoldovan) October 16, 2024
In 2022, Baynes suffered a health scare when a MRI revealed he was suffering from internal bleeding that put pressure on his spinal cord. This happened during Australia’s Olympic run, when he slipped and fell in the team’s bathroom.
Perhaps this is a reason as to why he decided to hang it up and not risk anything more. Having an injury of that magnitude is scary and Baynes has to value his life more than another NBA opportunity.
While he turned himself into a spacing big man, it stings to suffer a life-threatening injury. However, Baynes still put together a formidable career that most players do not see nine years in the league.
Aron Baynes Raptors stats
The Australian center played 53 games for the Raptors, starting 31 of them. He put 6.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists on 44.1 percent shooting from the field and 26.2 percent shooting from deep.
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