Report: Spurs to sign center Aron Baynes
According to Euro-step.net, the San Antonio Spurs will sign Australian center Aron Baynes to a multiyear deal.
Baynes, who was playing for Slovenia team Union Olimpija, is a 260 lbs., 7-0 center and played at Washington State during college (2005-2009).
While with Olimpija, he averaged 13.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and shot 58% from the field in 26.2 minutes per game in the Euroleague. He also will bring defense to the team at the center spot as he currently ranks sixth in the league in rebounds and fourth in blocks per game.
Baynes has also played overseas in Lithuania (Lietuvos Rytas) , Germany (Oldenburg), and Greece (Ikaros Kallitheas B.C.) while also playing alongside Spurs’ point guard Patty Mills on the Australian National team since 2010. Having fellow countryman Mills on the team will definitely help ease his transition into the NBA.
In addition, Spurs’ assistant Brett Brown was also the Australian national team coach so he will also help Baynes transition and development into the NBA and he should be familiar with the Spurs' system considering Brown employed it while the Australian coach.
Baynes is pretty athletic as well. For a center, he have explosiveness and can get to the rim.
It will be interesting to see how he transitions into the Spurs but if he does, chalk up yet another steal from overseas by the Spurs. Not to mention, if Baynes does pan out, the Spurs will have finally addressed adding more size to the roster.
It is also reported, the Spurs will give $400,000 as part of his buy out from Union Olimpija.
But what does this mean for other bigs on the roster such as DeJuan Blair or Boris Diaw?
What do you have to say Spurs fans?
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I'm not familiar with Aron Baynes, but I like this move by the Spurs. Spurs have needed a Center that can rebound the ball for some time now. 9.8 rebounds per game is much needed to be seen on this team. Tim Duncan should not be the only Spurs PF/C rebounding the ball more than 5 times a game. It's frustrating watching 7 footers or almost 7 ft Centers not getting rebounds. With Baynes being 4th in the Euroleague in blocking Spurs and Spurs fans can only hope it transitions into the NBA. Spurs could definitely use it. I like the fact that he is pretty athletic too. Give the Spurs a different look. Hopefully this works out and Aron Baynes can make a name for himself in San Antonio. What does this mean for Blair and Diaw? My opinion it shouldn't mean a bad thing. I personally feel the Spurs could keep and probably should keep both. Both players bring something different on the court. Both can play different positions because of their size and both can allow the starters rest, which is a good thing. Why trade either? I only see trading Blair if wanting to get bigger. If a Center he better be 7 ft or close to it and he better have a reputation for getting rebounds and blocking shots. If a SF he better have some athleticism and know how to play some defense. Other than that why do anything? Why not give Blair minutes at the PF? Why not give Diaw time at SF? If adding Aron Baynes to the Squad you would think the Spurs should be able to mix and match these guys with him on the court. More options the Spurs have if this deal goes through. I like the potential of what this move can do for the team. Good looking out Spurs.
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@"G" Ya Aron looks like he could add something Spurs haven't had in a good while. A 7 ft bruiser type with some athleticism. I'm all for it.
One wonders at this point if this move is just the 1st part of a bigger "move" soon to come. I still think DJBs number is about up. 2nd round pick is better than him leaving for nothing this summer.
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@Spursfan66 @"G" Still doubt we can get jack for DeJuan without throwing in someone else (plethora of guards?). But having a three deep 7 ft squad is a breath of fresh air indeed!
@CraigThomas @"G" You could be right re: DJB, but a 2nd rounder SHOULD get a deal done imo. I think Spurs have been angling for at least a 1st rounder for DJB (or certain other players). Spurs could afford to be choosey and firm to this point considering the abundance of good players they have. But it seems crystal clear that Spurs dont have DJB in future plans. And Im fine with it..the guy just hasnt improved virtually at all in four years...and he will always be too small for C or PF, and no way he could guard sf spot.
Why do people keep that whole "Spliiter was MVP overseas" nonsense up. He was MVP of ONE SINGLE national league. That is it. He was NEVER European MVP. It NEVER happened. It's a MYTH.
This may turn out really good, or really bad. I'm not the best judge of talent, and I'm pretty young so I'm probably not as good as judging the spurs system as some of you older guys who've been watching the spurs longer than me. This guy seems alright. He's a big body and all. But does he have what it takes? We'll see. I mean, Tiago Splitter was an MVP overseas and he's not playing nearly as good here than he did overseas, but he is improving I'll give him that. I just hope this guy doesn't sit on the bench and not contribute at all. Obviously the spurs see something in him and he may be valuable to us. It's the playoffs that worries me. Will this guy help deliver? Will he be a factor in some shape or form that helps us win games? I haven't really seen this guy play so I really don't know what to think. I just hope he won't be Fabricio Oberto and become virtually useless for us. Thank god Timmy, Manu, and Tony were great in 2007. Now it's a different story, the big 3 are older. I'm just praying this guy will fill some problems we have. For example, I know we are 27-10, but we've been out rebounded in a lot of games. It's a good thing we have great shooters and a high scoring offense, but I've noticed that we are constantly getting out hustled on the boards. Come playoff time, getting out rebounded WILL bite us in the ass. I don't know what to expect so I won't judge too quickly or too harshly. The next couple of weeks will be very interesting.
But does this mean we won't draft a big guy in the summer? Jeff Withey of Kansas is the nations top shot blocker at around 5 blocks a game!! Not only does he block shots, but like Duncan, he is extremely good at altering shots. His offense isn't great, but isn't it defense what we crave the most? Gorgui Dieng of Louisville is also a pretty good defensive big guy. Both of them are projected to be late first round. So are big men in the draft out of the question?
But does an unproven big man in the NBA like Baynes get automatic minutes in Pop's system?
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A big boy :)
I guess Blair will get traded for anything if this deal is made - even for a second round pick. Or waived..
HAH! When I was watching the Olympics I dubbed this guy the Australian Blake Griffin and said the spurs should give him a training camp invite. They saw more than I did it seems
You are absolutely right, Daddy'O. For once the Spurs seem to be making the right moves If Mr. Baynes is signed, TD will be happiest the most! Why not add Donte Greene who stands 6'11" and plays sf. He could be developed into a pf and help Aron Baynes with the rebounds. He should be given a try say, month to month and see how he develops. Writers, Analysts and specially FANS will be happy!
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The Spurs are up to their old tricks once again, keep up the gd work RC so I can continue to smile as a Spurs lover up here in the DFW metroplex! GO Spurs GO!
Yup Talley..they are up to their ole tricks again. I hope they can sign Greg Oden also..Then this team would be monsters for years to come!
It has nothing to do with Diaw,but it has with Bonner and Bair and I'm glad because of that.Finally!
