NBL Tribunal Needs Overhaul After a Decade of Inconsistencies
September 16, 2024
Aron Baynes
- Nationality: AUS/NZL
- Date of Birth: 9/12/86
- Place of Birth: Gisborne (New Zealand)
- Position: CTR
- Height (CM): 208
- Weight (KG): 119
- Junior Assoc: QLD - Cairns
- College: Washington State (2005–2009)
- NBL DEBUT: 18/09/22
- AGE AT DEBUT: 35
- LAST NBL GAME: 16/02/24
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 37
- NBL History: Brisbane 2023-24
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: Although born in Gisborne, New Zealand, Aron Baynes moved with his family to Mareeba, a small town in Far North Queensland, Australia, when he was three years old. Growing up, Baynes was primarily a rugby league player while attending Mareeba State High School, showing great promise in the sport before making a late transition to basketball.
In 2001, Baynes’ basketball journey began when Brad Burdon, a coach at the Cairns State High School basketball school of excellence, was short on players for a local A-grade competition. Baynes’ older brother, Callum, suggested his 6’8” younger brother could fill in, and from that moment, his basketball career began.
By 2003, Baynes was already making waves in the sport. He dominated the 2003 Queensland State School Championships, helping his school become the first team from the Cairns area to win the competition. That same year, Cairns Taipans assistant coach Aaron Fearne took notice of Baynes and began working closely with him through the Taipans’ academy program. Reflecting on Baynes’ raw potential, Fearne later said, “When I say he was a blank canvas, I’m talking bright white with nothing on it. He was just so raw and had so much to learn.”
In 2004, Baynes’ rapid development earned him a spot at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) for the 2004–05 season, where he further honed his skills. During this time, he formed a close friendship with Patty Mills, a bond that would later see them share an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs and an Olympic bronze medal with the Australian Boomers.
Baynes’ late switch to basketball proved to be a pivotal decision, as he committed fully to the sport, leaving rugby league behind. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him an elite prospect, eventually leading him to Washington State University and, later, a successful professional career.
Baynes received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2005. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.
FAMILY: Aron’s brother, Callum Baynes also played 33 games in the NBL. Wife Rachel Adekponya, two children
NBL EXPERIENCE
Aron Baynes made his NBL debut with the Brisbane Bullets at 35 years of age. He scored 11 points in his first game.
After suffering a career-threatening spinal cord injury during the Tokyo Olympics, Aron Baynes signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Bullets, aiming to rebuild his fitness and eventually make his way back to the NBA. Brisbane, coming off a second-to-last finish the previous season, made major roster moves in an attempt to return to playoff contention. Alongside Baynes, the team added veteran guard Tyler Johnson, reuniting the former Phoenix Suns teammates. Devondrick Walker (via NBL1) was signed as a second import, while local talent Harry Froling (via Illawarra), Gorjok Gak (via Europe), and DJ Mitchell (via NBL1), son of former Bullets import Mike Mitchell, were also brought in to complement the returning core of Jason Cadee, Tyrell Harrison, Tanner Krebs, and captain Nathan Sobey.
Brisbane’s aggressive offseason signings led many in the media to project them as a top-four contender. However, with Sobey returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for half of NBL22 and Baynes coming back from a near-paralyzing neck injury, concerns remained about their ability to stay healthy. Those concerns quickly became reality, as the Bullets opened the season with six consecutive losses. Baynes (11.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) was still adjusting after more than a year away from competitive basketball, while Sobey (15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists) posted his lowest scoring and rebounding numbers in five years.
Brisbane finally broke through with back-to-back wins over Illawarra. In the first, Baynes dominated with 17 points and 14 rebounds in an 82-56 victory. In the second, Sobey erupted for 14 first-quarter points and a career-high 22 first-half points, leading the Bullets to an 86-61 win. The two blowout victories marked the first time Brisbane had won consecutive games by at least 25 points since February 2007. A gritty 74-72 win over Tasmania extended their streak to three, momentarily lifting optimism.
However, just as momentum seemed to shift in Brisbane’s favor, the club made the decision to part ways with struggling import Devondrick Walker (9.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) and fire head coach James Duncan. Walker was replaced by Andrew White (7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists), while general manager Sam Mackinnon stepped in as interim head coach. Mackinnon’s tenure lasted just three games before assistant coach and former Townsville Crocodile Greg Vanderjagt took over for the remainder of the season. From that point, Brisbane’s season unraveled.
Reports surfaced of a fractured relationship between Bullets CEO Peter McLennan and Mackinnon, contributing to the team’s instability. During this period, Brisbane suffered two of the worst defeats in franchise history, including a 37-point loss to New Zealand and a record-breaking 49-point demolition at the hands of Sydney. The latter marked the largest losing margin in NBL history and the worst loss by a head coach on debut since Alan Black in 1989. The Bullets ultimately finished second-last for the second consecutive season (8-20), with three of their eight wins coming against Illawarra, who endured their worst campaign in club history.
Despite the team’s struggles, Baynes, who was reportedly signed to a $1 million contract, was a bright spot, winning Brisbane’s Defensive Player of the Year award. His performances were closely tied to the team’s limited success—when Baynes played extended minutes in the Bullets’ victories (six times), he elevated his numbers to 14.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Other than Tyler Johnson (15.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals) earning a nomination for Sixth Man of the Year (won by Barry Brown Jr.), the season was defined by underachievement, culminating in a mass player exodus at its conclusion.
2023/24
Brisbane’s centre rotation became one of the team’s largest areas of change during Aron Baynes’ second season with the club. The Bullets entered Justin Schueller’s first year as head coach after finishing ninth with an 8–20 record, with Jason Cadee (to Adelaide), Tanner Krebs (to Melbourne), Gorjok Gak and Kody Stattmann (both to South East Melbourne), and Rasmus Bach (retired) among those to exit. Isaac White and Sam McDaniel (both via Tasmania), Mitch Norton (via Perth), Josh Bannan (via Montana), Shannon Scott (via Cairns), Chris Smith (via Chiba Jets) and Next Star Rocco Zikarsky (via the Centre of Excellence) were added to the roster.
Baynes entered the second season of the two-year deal he signed with Brisbane in July 2022, continuing his return to basketball following the spinal cord injury suffered at the Tokyo Olympics.
His best game of the season came immediately in Brisbane’s opener at Nissan Arena on September 29, where Baynes (12 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped the Bullets recover after Adelaide scored the first 15 points to win 86–71. Sobey (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Smith (15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led the scoring, while Humphries (17 points and 7 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best.
Baynes (7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 23 games) moved into a reduced role, starting only four games and averaging 14.2 minutes after starting every appearance and playing 23.5 minutes per game the previous season. Harrison (9.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 27 games) produced a breakout year, taking over the starting centre position and making 24 starts, while Zikarsky (3.2 points across 27 games) also received regular opportunities as Brisbane developed its teenage Next Star.
Baynes’ season was disrupted against Cairns at Nissan Arena on October 7, where he was ejected before half-time following a confrontation with Lat Mayen. Baynes (3 points and 6 rebounds) played only 9:25 as Cairns won 89–86 despite Sobey (31 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) and Smith (12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) leading Brisbane, while Miller (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) was the Taipans’ best. Baynes was subsequently suspended for five games, allowing Harrison to establish himself in the starting lineup and creating additional minutes for Zikarsky.
A season-ending hip injury to Mitchell (5 points across 15 games) led Brisbane to sign Casey Prather (via Israel) in December. Prather (6.7 points and 3 rebounds across 7 games) returned to the NBL after spending two seasons sidelined by knee injuries.
Sobey (20.1 points and 4.4 rebounds across 27 games) led Brisbane in scoring, assists and steals for the second consecutive season, earning All-NBL Second Team honours and the Leroy Loggins Trophy as club MVP. Bannan (11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds across 19 games), Smith (11 points across 27 games) and McDaniel (9 points and 4 rebounds across 28 games) provided the other main scoring options, while Norton (7.1 points across 28 games) and White (7 points across 28 games) filled out the rotation. Bannan received the Youth Player of the Year award, McDaniel was named Defensive Player of the Year and Norton won the H.A.B.I.T.S Player of the Year award.
The reduced role proved to be Baynes’ final season with Brisbane, with the Bullets confirming during the following off-season that he would not return before Baynes announced his retirement in October 2024.
Brisbane entered its final game needing a win to guarantee a play-in position, but New Zealand defeated the Bullets 103–87 at Spark Arena on February 16 behind Jackson-Cartwright (27 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block). Bannan (29 points and 4 rebounds) and Sobey (16 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) led Brisbane, which finished seventh with a 13–15 record and missed the postseason on percentage as Baynes (7 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 17:54 off the bench.
Aron Baynes played two seasons with the Brisbane Bullets. He averaged 9.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 47 NBL games.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 37 | Brisbane | 13-15 (7) | 23 | 327 | 168 | 98 | 12 | 47 | 51 | 3 | 9 | 32 | 74 | 59 | 123 | 48% | 8 | 25 | 32% | 42 | 53 | 79% | 57% | 51% | 15 |
| 2022-23 | 36 | Brisbane | 8-20 (9) | 24 | 563 | 281 | 186 | 24 | 56 | 130 | 5 | 10 | 44 | 71 | 111 | 243 | 46% | 21 | 57 | 37% | 38 | 58 | 66% | 52% | 50% | 21 | Totals | 47 | 890 | 449 | 284 | 36 | 103 | 181 | 8 | 19 | 76 | 145 | 170 | 366 | 46.4% | 29 | 82 | 35.4% | 80 | 111 | 72.1% | 54% | 50% | 21 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 37 | Brisbane | 13-15 (7) | 23 | 14.2 | 7.3 | 4.3 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 2.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 5.3 | 48% | 0.3 | 1.1 | 32% | 1.8 | 2.3 | 79% | 57% | 51% | 15 |
| 2022-23 | 36 | Brisbane | 8-20 (9) | 24 | 23.5 | 11.7 | 7.8 | 1.0 | 2.3 | 5.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 3.0 | 4.6 | 10.1 | 46% | 0.9 | 2.4 | 37% | 1.6 | 2.4 | 66% | 52% | 50% | 21 | Total | 47 | 18.9 | 9.6 | 6.0 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 3.9 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 7.8 | 46.4% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 35.4% | 0.6 | 1.7 | 72.1% | 54% | 50% | 21 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 21 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
|---|
STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
- Cairns (2004), AIS (2005)
Baynes joined Cairns Marlins for the 2004 QBL season, and he was part of the Marlins side that won both the 2004 Queensland Basketball League and Australian Basketball Association championships under head coach Mark Beecroft, with Nathan Jawai, Aaron Grabau, Aaron Fearne, Curt Ahwang and Kerry Williams also in the team.
Aron Baynes joined the Australian Institute of Sport for the 2005 state league season, receiving a scholarship to attend the AIS in Canberra, spending one year with the program’s state league team, and being named in the 2005 AIS men’s squad while coming from Cairns Marlins in Queensland.
FIBA EXPERIENCE
Aron Baynes had a long and impactful career representing the Australian Boomers, competing in multiple international tournaments, including four Olympic Games and two FIBA World Cups. His role steadily grew over the years, from a reserve big man to a key starter who played a crucial role in Australias rise as a basketball powerhouse.
Baynes made his senior national team debut at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, where he received limited playing time as Australia finished 10th.
By the 2012 London Olympics, Baynes had established himself as an important rotation piece in the Boomers frontcourt. With Andrew Bogut unavailable, Australia opened the tournament with losses to Brazil and Spain before bouncing back to defeat China (81–61), Great Britain (106–75), and Russia (82–80), finishing 3–2 in group play. This set up a quarterfinal matchup against a star-studded USA team featuring Kobe Bryant (20 points), Kevin Durant (14 points), and LeBron James (11 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists). Australia fought hard but ultimately lost 119–86, with the Americans going on to win the gold medal. Baynes averaged 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds for the tournament, while Patty Mills led all players in scoring (21.2 ppg). The Boomers finished in seventh place.
In the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Baynes became Australias go-to big man in the absence of Bogut and Mills. He was the team’s leading scorer (17.0 ppg) and rebounder (7.0 rpg).
Australia opened the tournament with a loss to Slovenia (80–90) before defeating South Korea (89–55), Lithuania (82–75), and Mexico (70–62). However, a controversial loss to Angola (83–91)—where coach Andrej Lemanis rested key players—led to accusations of "tanking" to avoid an early matchup with the USA in the knockout rounds. Despite these accusations, Australia was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing by FIBA. However, the decision backfired when the Boomers were eliminated by Turkey (65–64) in the Round of 16, finishing 3–3 and placing 12th overall.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Baynes played a key role in one of Australias strongest tournament runs, averaging 9.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
Australia dominated group play, securing wins over France (87–66), Serbia (95–80), China (93–68), and Venezuela (81–56) before suffering a group-stage loss to the USA (88–98). Behind Patty Mills (21.3 ppg, 1.7 apg) and Andrew Bogut (9.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg), the Boomers reached the semifinals for the first time since 2000.
Facing Serbia in the semifinals, the Boomers struggled offensively and lost 61–87, setting up a bronze medal showdown against Spain. In a controversial finish, Sergio Rodriguez hit two free throws with 5.4 seconds left, securing an 89–88 win for Spain. The Boomers finished fourth, once again falling just short of their first Olympic medal.
Baynes continued to be a key player at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, averaging 11.4 points and 5.5 rebounds.
Australia went undefeated in group play, beating Canada (108–92), Senegal (81–68), and Lithuania (87–82). They carried that momentum into the second round, securing wins over the Dominican Republic (82–76) and France (100–98).
After defeating Czech Republic (82–70) in the quarterfinals, Australia faced Spain in the semifinals in a rematch of the 2016 Olympic bronze medal game.
The Boomers led for most of the game, but Spain forced overtime at 71–71. A second overtime period saw Sergio Llull hit two key three-pointers, lifting Spain to a 95–88 victory. In the bronze medal game against France, Australia struggled offensively and fell 67–59, finishing fourth for the second straight tournament.
Baynes entered the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a key member of the Boomers, but an unfortunate injury would sideline him midway through the tournament.
Australia opened group play undefeated, securing wins over Nigeria (84–67), Italy (86–83), and Germany (89–76). However, during the game against Italy, Baynes suffered a severe spinal cord injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.
Despite his absence, Mills (19 ppg) led the Boomers to a 97–59 quarterfinal victory over Argentina. Australia then faced the USA in the semifinals, where they were overwhelmed by Kevin Durant (23 points), Devin Booker (20 points), and Jayson Tatum (11 points) in a 97–78 loss.
In the bronze medal game against Slovenia, Mills delivered a historic 42-point performance, leading Australia to a 107–93 victory. This marked the Boomers’ first-ever Olympic medal, breaking a decades-long curse of fourth-place finishes. Luka Dončić led Slovenia with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, but Australia’s balanced play secured the win.
FIBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 34 | 2 | 30 | 18 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 50.0% | 2 | 3 | 66.7% | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| 2019 | 33 | 8 | 170 | 91 | 44 | 14 | 12 | 32 | 9 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 35 | 62 | 56.5% | 11 | 21 | 52.4% | 10 | 11 | 90.9% |
| 2016 | 30 | 8 | 182 | 77 | 46 | 13 | 20 | 26 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 15 | 30 | 67 | 44.8% | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | 17 | 21 | 81.0% |
| 2014 | 28 | 5 | 134 | 84 | 35 | 5 | 17 | 18 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 32 | 68 | 47.1% | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | 20 | 26 | 76.9% |
| 2012 | 26 | 6 | 73 | 45 | 20 | 0 | 11 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 24 | 21 | 32 | 65.6% | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | 3 | 3 | 100.0% |
| 2010 | 24 | 4 | 12 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 66.7% | 1 | 1 | 100.0% | 1 | 2 | 50.0% | Total | 33 | 601 | 321 | 162 | 33 | 69 | 93 | 15 | 28 | 40 | 61 | 128 | 248 | 52% | 14 | 25 | 56% | 51 | 63 | 81% |
FIBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 34 | 2 | 15.0 | 9.0 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 8.0 | 50.0% | 1.0 | 1.5 | 66.7% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% |
| 2019 | 33 | 8 | 21.3 | 11.4 | 5.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 4.4 | 7.8 | 56.5% | 1.4 | 2.6 | 52.4% | 1.3 | 1.4 | 90.9% |
| 2016 | 30 | 8 | 22.8 | 9.6 | 5.8 | 1.6 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 3.8 | 8.4 | 44.8% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% | 2.1 | 2.6 | 81.0% |
| 2014 | 28 | 5 | 26.8 | 16.8 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 6.4 | 13.6 | 47.1% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% | 4.0 | 5.2 | 76.9% |
| 2012 | 26 | 6 | 12.2 | 7.5 | 3.3 | 0.0 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 5.3 | 65.6% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% | 0.5 | 0.5 | 100.0% |
| 2010 | 24 | 4 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 66.7% | 0.3 | 0.3 | 100.0% | 0.3 | 0.5 | 50.0% | Total | 33 | 18.2 | 9.7 | 4.9 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 3.9 | 7.5 | 52% | 0.4 | 0.8 | 56% | 1.5 | 1.9 | 81% |
NBA EXPERIENCE
Baynes got his first taste of the NBA in 2009, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Summer League, but it wasn’t until January 23, 2013, that his NBA dream became a reality when he signed with the San Antonio Spurs after years of playing in Europe.
Baynes spent much of his rookie season bouncing between the Spurs and their NBA G League affiliate, the Austin Toros, as he adapted to the NBA game. Despite limited minutes, he made his first NBA start in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Lakers, tasked with defending Dwight Howard. The Spurs swept the series and advanced all the way to the 2013 NBA Finals, where they ultimately fell in seven games to the Miami Heat.
During the 2013–14 season, Baynes became a more consistent part of the Spurs rotation, playing in 53 regular season games. In the playoffs, he recorded a career-high 10 points and seven rebounds in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against Portland. That postseason, Baynes was part of the Spurs’ dominant NBA Finals run, playing minutes in the last three games of the 2014 NBA Finals as San Antonio avenged their previous Finals loss by defeating Miami, 4–1. Alongside fellow Australian Patty Mills, Baynes became an NBA champion.
Baynes re-signed with the Spurs for the 2014–15 season and saw his role expand, appearing in 70 games with 17 starts. His improvement was evident, setting a new career high with 16 points against Dallas and recording back-to-back 18-point games in April 2015. He finished the season averaging 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds, shooting 56.6% from the field and 86.5% from the free-throw line.
In July 2015, Baynes signed a three-year, $20 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, leaving the Spurs for an opportunity to play a bigger role. Serving as Andre Drummond’s backup, Baynes played all 81 games in 2015–16, averaging 6.3 points and 4.7 rebounds while helping the Pistons reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009. The Cleveland Cavaliers swept them in the first round.
In his second season with Detroit (2016–17), Baynes remained a steady presence, averaging 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds over 75 games. He also had a career night in March 2016, scoring 21 points against the Brooklyn Nets. Later, in 2017, he pulled down a career-high 17 rebounds against the Phoenix Suns.
After opting out of his final contract year, Baynes signed with the Boston Celtics in July 2017, where he became a fan favorite due to his physical play and defensive intensity. In his first season with Boston (2017–18), he started 67 of 81 games, averaging 6.0 points and 5.4 rebounds, while helping the Celtics post a league-best defensive rating when he was on the floor. In the regular season finale, Baynes had a dominant 26-point, 14-rebound performance against the Brooklyn Nets.
During the 2018 NBA Playoffs, Baynes played all 19 games, starting 12, as Boston made a deep postseason run. He scored a playoff career-high 13 points in the Celtics’ Game 5 win over Philadelphia to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell in seven games to LeBron James and the Cavaliers. Baynes was surprisingly effective from three-point range, hitting 11-of-23 (47.8%) of his postseason attempts.
Boston re-signed Baynes in July 2018, but injuries hampered his 2018–19 season. He broke his left hand in December and later suffered a foot contusion, limiting him to 51 games. Despite his setbacks, he expanded his offensive game, shooting a career-best 34.4% from three-point range.
Following the 2018–19 season, Boston traded Baynes to the Phoenix Suns. He was expected to be a veteran backup, but Deandre Ayton’s 25-game suspension pushed Baynes into the starting role. Baynes made the most of the opportunity, posting career-highs across the board.
On October 30, 2019, Baynes recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high seven assists in a win over the Golden State Warriors. However, his most iconic NBA performance came on March 6, 2020, when he scored a career-high 37 points, hitting nine three-pointers, while adding 16 rebounds in a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. His nine threes set an NBA record for most three-pointers made by a center in a game and tied the Suns’ single-game franchise record.
Baynes joined 2018 NBA MVP James Harden as the only players in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 15 rebounds, and nine three-pointers in a single game.
Despite his breakout season, Baynes’ momentum was halted due to COVID-19. He tested positive for the virus in June 2020, and after recovering, suffered a right knee contusion, which sidelined him for the rest of the NBA Bubble as Phoenix went 8–0 but missed the playoffs.
In November 2020, Baynes signed a two-year, $14.3 million contract with the Toronto Raptors, filling a void left by Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. However, his stint in Toronto was a struggle. His three-point shooting dipped to 26.2%, and he struggled to find rhythm in the Raptors system.
On January 31, 2021, he had one of his best games for Toronto, grabbing a season-high 16 rebounds in a win over the Orlando Magic, but his inconsistent play led to him being removed from the starting lineup. On August 4, 2021, Baynes was waived by the Raptors, with Toronto declining the $7.35 million second-year option on his contract.
After leaving Toronto, Baynes suffered a career-altering spinal cord injury while representing Australia at the Tokyo Olympics. During a game against Italy, he was found sprawled on the floor, bleeding from two deep puncture wounds in his arm, after slipping and falling in the locker room. The injury left him hospitalized in Japan, unable to walk.
Baynes played 522 games in the NBA. He averaged 6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game over his NBA career.
NBA TRANSACTIONS:
- June 25, 2009: Went undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft and became an unrestricted free agent.
- January 23, 2013: Signed as a free agent with the San Antonio Spurs.
- February 1, 2013: Assigned by the San Antonio Spurs to the Austin Toros of the NBA D-League.
- February 4, 2013: Recalled by San Antonio from the Austin Toros.
- February 28, 2013: Assigned by San Antonio to the Austin Toros.
- March 1, 2013: Recalled by San Antonio from the Austin Toros.
- March 15, 2013: Assigned by San Antonio to the Austin Toros.
- March 19, 2013: Recalled by San Antonio from the Austin Toros.
- March 24, 2013: Assigned by San Antonio to the Austin Toros.
- March 31, 2013: Recalled by San Antonio from the Austin Toros.
- April 5, 2013: Assigned by San Antonio to the Austin Toros.
- April 8, 2013: Recalled by San Antonio from the Austin Toros.
- December 1, 2013: Assigned by the San Antonio Spurs to the Austin Toros of the NBA D-League.
- December 2, 2013: Recalled by San Antonio from the Austin Toros.
- December 8, 2013: Assigned by San Antonio to the Austin Toros.
- December 9, 2013: Recalled by San Antonio from the Austin Toros.
- June 30, 2014: San Antonio Spurs extended a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent.
- July 1, 2014: Became a free agent following his San Antonio Spurs contract.
- September 26, 2014: Re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs and was a part of the teams 2014 championship winning team.
- July 1, 2015: Became a free agent following his San Antonio Spurs contract.
- July 9, 2015: San Antonio Spurs renounced their free-agent exception rights to him.
- July 12, 2015: Signed a multi-year contract with the Detroit Pistons
- July 1, 2017: Became a free agent after playing for the Detroit Pistons.
- July 7, 2017: Detroit Pistons renounced their free-agent exception rights to him.
- July 19, 2017: Signed a contract with the Boston Celtics.
- July 1, 2018: Became a free agent following his Boston Celtics contract.
- July 6, 2018: Signed as a free agent with the Boston Celtics.
- June 12, 2019: Exercised his player option to extend his Boston Celtics contract.
- July 6, 2019: Traded by the Boston Celtics with Ty Jerome to the Phoenix Suns for a 2020 1st round draft pick (Desmond Bane was later selected)
- November 21, 2020: Became a free agent following his Phoenix Suns contract.
- November 24, 2020: Signed as a free agent with the Toronto Raptors.
- August 4, 2021: Waived by the Toronto Raptors.
- August 6, 2021: Became a free agent after Toronto Raptors waived him.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 66% | 49% | 34% | 77% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 21 | 3 | 1 | 2 | ||||||
| Total | 170 | 366 | 46.4% | 29 | 82 | 35.4% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 34 | Toronto | C | 53 | 31 | 980 | 324 | 273 | 47 | 87 | 186 | 17 | 23 | 46 | 119 | 134 | 304 | 44% | 27 | 103 | 26% | 29 | 41 | 71% | 50% | 49% |
| 2019-20 | 33 | Phoenix | C | 42 | 28 | 934 | 481 | 237 | 67 | 71 | 166 | 10 | 23 | 50 | 141 | 183 | 381 | 48% | 59 | 168 | 35% | 56 | 75 | 75% | 58% | 56% |
| 2018-19 | 32 | Boston | C | 51 | 18 | 821 | 284 | 240 | 57 | 88 | 152 | 12 | 34 | 40 | 125 | 105 | 223 | 47% | 21 | 61 | 34% | 53 | 62 | 85% | 57% | 52% |
| 2017-18 | 31 | Boston | C | 81 | 67 | 1485 | 482 | 433 | 93 | 129 | 304 | 22 | 51 | 80 | 200 | 210 | 446 | 47% | 3 | 21 | 14% | 59 | 78 | 76% | 50% | 47% |
| 2016-17 | 30 | Detroit | C | 75 | 2 | 1163 | 365 | 333 | 32 | 111 | 222 | 17 | 39 | 50 | 166 | 143 | 279 | 51% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 79 | 94 | 84% | 57% | 51% |
| 2015-16 | 29 | Detroit | C | 81 | 1 | 1233 | 514 | 384 | 51 | 140 | 244 | 21 | 52 | 67 | 151 | 194 | 384 | 51% | 0 | 2 | 0% | 126 | 165 | 76% | 56% | 51% |
| 2014-15 | 28 | San Antonio | C | 70 | 17 | 1122 | 461 | 318 | 35 | 109 | 209 | 16 | 22 | 65 | 162 | 185 | 327 | 57% | 1 | 4 | 25% | 90 | 104 | 87% | 62% | 57% |
| 2013-14 | 27 | San Antonio | C | 53 | 4 | 491 | 161 | 145 | 34 | 57 | 88 | 2 | 5 | 36 | 77 | 71 | 163 | 44% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 19 | 21 | 90% | 47% | 44% |
| 2012-13 | 26 | San Antonio | C | 16 | 0 | 141 | 43 | 32 | 5 | 12 | 20 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 23 | 18 | 36 | 50% | 0 | 1 | 0% | 7 | 12 | 58% | 52% | 50% | Total | 522 | 168 | 8370 | 3115 | 2395 | 421 | 804 | 1591 | 118 | 255 | 445 | 1164 | 1243 | 2543 | 49% | 111 | 360 | 31% | 518 | 652 | 79% |
NBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 34 | Toronto | C | 53 | 31 | 18.5 | 6.1 | 5.2 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 3.5 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 5.7 | 44% | 0.5 | 1.9 | 26% | 0.5 | 0.8 | 71% | 50% | 49% |
| 2019-20 | 33 | Phoenix | C | 42 | 28 | 22.2 | 11.5 | 5.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 4.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 9.1 | 48% | 1.4 | 4.0 | 35% | 1.3 | 1.8 | 75% | 58% | 56% |
| 2018-19 | 32 | Boston | C | 51 | 18 | 16.1 | 5.6 | 4.7 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 4.4 | 47% | 0.4 | 1.2 | 34% | 1.0 | 1.2 | 85% | 57% | 52% |
| 2017-18 | 31 | Boston | C | 81 | 67 | 18.3 | 6.0 | 5.3 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 3.8 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 5.5 | 47% | 0.0 | 0.3 | 14% | 0.7 | 1.0 | 76% | 50% | 47% |
| 2016-17 | 30 | Detroit | C | 75 | 2 | 15.5 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 2.2 | 1.9 | 3.7 | 51% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 1.1 | 1.3 | 84% | 57% | 51% |
| 2015-16 | 29 | Detroit | C | 81 | 1 | 15.2 | 6.3 | 4.7 | 0.6 | 1.7 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 4.7 | 51% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 1.6 | 2.0 | 76% | 56% | 51% |
| 2014-15 | 28 | San Antonio | C | 70 | 17 | 16.0 | 6.6 | 4.5 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 4.7 | 57% | 0.0 | 0.1 | 25% | 1.3 | 1.5 | 87% | 62% | 57% |
| 2013-14 | 27 | San Antonio | C | 53 | 4 | 9.3 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 3.1 | 44% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 0.4 | 0.4 | 90% | 47% | 44% |
| 2012-13 | 26 | San Antonio | C | 16 | 0 | 8.8 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 50% | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0% | 0.4 | 0.8 | 58% | 52% | 50% | Total | 522 | 168 | 16.0 | 6.0 | 4.6 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 4.9 | 49% | 0.2 | 0.7 | 31% | 1.0 | 1.2 | 79% |
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Lithuania - Lietuvos rytas (2009–2010) | Germany - Oldenburg (2010–2011) | Greece - Ikaros (2011–2012) | Slovenia - Olimpija (2012–2013)
After his first experience at NBA Summer League, Aron Baynes began his professional career in 2009, signing with Lietuvos Rytas in Lithuania. In his rookie season, he was a key contributor, averaging 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game during the 2009–10 season. His performances helped solidify his reputation as a strong interior presence, and he played a role in Lietuvos Rytas’ success, winning the Lithuanian League championship, Lithuanian Cup, and the Slam Dunk Contest.
Baynes then moved to Germany, signing with EWE Baskets Oldenburg for the 2010–11 season, where he continued to develop his game, averaging 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
In 2011, Baynes played for Ikaros Kallitheas in Greece, where he had a breakout year, averaging 13.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. His strong play earned him HEBA A1 Round 6 MVP honors.
The following season, Baynes joined Union Olimpija in Slovenia for the 2012–13 campaign, where he continued to improve his scoring efficiency, averaging 13.8 points and 9.8 rebounds in the EuroLeague. His dominance in the paint helped Union Olimpija win both the Slovenian Cup and Slovenian Supercup.
Baynes’ success across multiple European leagues, coupled with his ability to produce against top competition, eventually led to him securing an NBA contract with the San Antonio Spurs in January 2013.
COLLEGE
Aron Baynes received multiple offers from American colleges before accepting a scholarship to Washington State University. The 208cm center quickly established himself as one of the most physically dominant big men in college basketball, helping the Cougars to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
As a freshman (2005–06), Baynes played in 28 games (12 starts), averaging 5.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. He continued to develop in his sophomore season (2006–07), appearing in 26 games (7 starts) and maintaining similar production with 5.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. During that season, Washington State finished 26–8, tying the school’s record for most wins in a season and earning an NCAA Tournament berth, where they were eliminated in the Second Round.
Baynes had a breakout year as a junior (2007–08), starting 34 of 35 games and increasing his production to 10.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 60.0% from the field. His rebounding dominance saw him finish 10th in the Pac-10 in total rebounds (210). Washington State matched its previous season’s 26–win record and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated. During this time, Baynes played alongside future NBA All-Star Klay Thompson, as well as future NBL players Derrick Low and Tom Abercrombie.
As a senior (2008–09), Baynes solidified his status as one of the top centers in the Pac-10, starting all 33 games while averaging 12.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. He was among the conference’s best rebounders and defenders, ranking 5th in the Pac-10 in total rebounds (247) and 3rd in blocked shots (43). He also improved his free throw shooting to 77.4% and finished eighth all-time in school history for field goal percentage (.546) and seventh in career blocks (93).
By the time Baynes graduated, he had cemented himself as one of Washington State’s best big men, finishing his college career with 122 games (86 starts), averaging 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while helping lead the Cougars to multiple NCAA Tournament runs.
AWARDS
- NBA champion (2014)
Related
HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PLAYER?
Whilst we try to source as much information as we can for every player who has ever played in the NBL some information on a player profile may be missing. If you have additional information on a player you'd like us to add to a profile, please send it to us using the enquiry form below.
Submissions are then sent to info@aussiehoopla.com