Aron Baynes Retirement: A look back at former Celtics star’s NBA achievements

Aron Baynes, the gritty 6’10” center, announced his retirement Wednesday, with the news shared by his agent, Daniel Moldovan.

Over nine seasons in the NBA, Baynes built a reputation for his physicality, versatility, and defensive grit while playing for the Spurs, Pistons, Celtics, Suns, and Raptors, last suiting up in 2020-21 with Toronto.

Here’s a look at some of the standout achievements in the career of the big man.

Aron Baynes career achievements

• NBA Champion with the San Antonio Spurs (2014): Baynes was a key defensive asset off the bench in the Spurs’ 2014 title run, which saw them take down the Miami Heat in five games. He averaged 3.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in the regular season and appeared in 14 of San Antonio’s 23 playoff games.

• Career Year with the Phoenix Suns (2019-20): Baynes enjoyed a career-best season with the Suns, posting 11.5 points per game while shooting 35.1% from beyond the arc. He set a personal high with 37 points in a March 2020 victory against Portland, displaying his expanded offensive skills and versatility as a scorer.

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Aron Baynes sustained a major back injury in 2021

During the 2021 Summer Olympics, Baynes sustained a spinal cord injury after doctors discovered internal bleeding that had compromised his ability to walk.

Following a determined recovery, he returned to professional play, spending the last two seasons with the Brisbane Bullets in Australia’s NBL.

Baynes’ injury at the Tokyo Olympics proved far more severe than initially reported, with recovery extending well into 2022 as he held out hopes of an NBA return. Ultimately, however, the resilient big man decided to call it a career, leaving a legacy of grit and determination.