Former Raptors C Aron Baynes makes great return to basketball

The entire basketball world has united in support of former Toronto Raptors center Aron Baynes. After parting ways with the Raptors following the 2020-21 season, Baynes suffered a near-catastrophic injury while playing for the Australian national team.

Baynes was unable to feel his limbs due to internal bleeding in his spine. Not only was Baynes’ basketball career hanging on by a thread, but there was some concern about his ability to do things within the realm of possibility for the average citizen.

Against all odds, Baynes proved that he could get back on the court. After showing that he can move and shoot once again in a brief showcase in front of NBA GMs at Summer League, Baynes has agreed to a professional contract. It’s back in his home country of Australia.

Baynes agreed to a deal with the Brisbane Bullets of the NBL. Baynes’ contract has an out if an NBA team is interested enough to sign him. Considering the mountains he has had to climb in the last few years, even the most jaded basketball fan should be thrilled with what Baynes has done.

Former Toronto Raptors center Aron Baynes is back.

Baynes averaged 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in his NBA career, if this is indeed the final chapter. Baynes’ best years came as a reliable interior banger on some good Boston Celtics teams and his one exceptional breakout season while a member of the Suns in 2019-20.

Baynes’ Toronto tenure may not have been his most impressive chapter, but those struggles could be chalked up to playing the entire season in Tampa rather than Canada. There’s a legitimate chance that he could help a contender with his interior rebounding if he is considered to be OK from a physical point of view.

If a team in that contending tier is looking for some solid veteran mentorship on the back end of the bench, there are worse options out there than Baynes. Of course, Baynes would be more than justified if he decided to leave the NBA behind and chill in Brisbane.

Baynes’ quick recovery is equal parts a miracle of modern medicine and proof that the most determined athletes are always going to find a way to overcome the obstacles that have been set in their path. If you plan on being a Brisbane Bullets diehard this year because of Baynes, we understand completely.