Raptors: 3 players that need to bounce back in the second half of season

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 12: Aron Baynes #46 of the Toronto Raptors looks on during the first half of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 12, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

No. 1: C Aron Baynes

2020-21 stats – 33 GP – 6.3 PPG – 5.4 RPG – 1.1 APG – .440 FG% – .243 3P% – .750 FT%

It feels like we’ve been frustrated at Baynes since the very first game of the season, but he has played a handful of really good games down the stretch of the first half of the season. Here’s to hoping he continues that, because it seems like he can be very inconsistent in a Raptors uniform.

When Baynes was signed in the off-season, some people didn’t know what they were expecting when this giant bearded Aussie signed with the Raptors. Fast forward to March 2021, and you’re likely missing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol.

Baynes, who isn’t the greatest rim protector, was brought in to mainly fill a hole at the centre position. He actually brings some good attributes to a player, as he can hit the three and rebound somewhat decently at times, but that has done little to mask his poor start.

His start to the 2020-21 campaign was horrendous, to say the least, as he only had four games in the first 20 where he scored in double digits and had six games where he grabbed seven rebounds or more. His shot tendency was just as bad and it felt like he couldn’t hit the simplest shot at points in the first half of the season.

How can Aron Baynes turn his Raptors career around?

He had some good games down the stretch closer to the end of the first half. As of the All-Star break, Baynes is averaging a much better stat line of 6.3 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. Obviously, that isn’t anywhere near the numbers Serge Ibaka was averaging last season, but it is much improved from how Baynes started the year.

It looks like he plays better when he comes off the bench, and I also think it suits him better as he isn’t forced to play those heavy minutes. Instead of starting games as he did in the beginning, he should remain coming off the bench as much as possible because it looks like it benefits him and the team at the same time.

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