The Boston Celtics addressed their lack of frontcourt depth after signing former Detroit Pistons Big Man Aron Baynes to a one-year deal worth $4.3 million. The Celtics’ frontcourt became depleted after they lost Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller to free agency. Baynes, who also played for the San Antonio Spurs, averaged 4.4 boards, but he has a higher rebound rate (15.6) last season compared to Olynyk, who had the highest rebound rate in Boston with 13.1, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.
The 6-foot-10 Baynes was known for his durability, missing just a total of eight regular-season games in his two years with the Detroit Pistons.
He was sparingly used by the Spurs in his first three years in the league, forcing him to sign a three-year, $19.5 million contract, with a player option in the last year, with the Pistons
Due to Baynes’ immeasurable value on defense, the Pistons did not trade him before the deadline despite knowing that he could leave the team without getting anything in return. In a previous interview with Aaron McMann of MLive.com, Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said their defense is significantly better with Baynes around. In his career, Baynes averaged 5.2 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14.1 minutes of action per game.
Baynes could contribute off the bench for Celtics
As of now, it’s still unknown how the Celtics will use Baynes in their rotation.
However, coach Brad Stevens likes to experiment with his lineup so expect him to insert Jae Crowder into the power forward spot and Baynes as backup to starting center Al Horford.
Aside from Baynes, the Celtics also have Ante Zizic and Guerschon Yabusele as frontcourt reserves. Recently, the Celtics agreed on four-year, $128 million deal with small forward Gordon Hayward and traded guard Avery Bradley and a 2019 second-round pick to the Detroit Pistons for power forward Marcus Morris, who averaged 14.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game last season.
Expect Celtics to add more key pieces
Earlier, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge told Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald that they are not done upgrading their roster, saying “we're not comfortable yet". Ainge said the front office already likes the team but the Celtics still plan to look around and find players that will make them better. The Celtics finished as the top seed in the East but their lack of firepower was on display when they were outplayed by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East Finals.
