Aussies in NBA: Aron Baynes signs 1-year deal with Boston Celtics

It looks like Aron Baynes has found a new home.

According to The Vertical's Shams Charania, the Boomers big man has agreed to a deal worth $4.3 million with the Boston Celtics for a year. This deal is lower than his final $6.5 million year with the Detroit Pistons, which he opted out of.

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/884142172412325888

Aron Baynes proved himself to be a solid backup to Andre Drummond last season, especially in Hack-an-Andre situations when free throw shooting was crucial to the game's outcome. Drummond, who shot 38.6% from the charity stripe last season, would be replaced in favour of Baynes, a much better free throw shooter at 84% last season (career 81.1%).

Baynes was also an essential part of the Australian Boomers' front court recent Olympic run, alongside Andrew Bogut.

Baynes offers a pinch of everything from rebounding, to shot blocking and scoring (excluding three-point shooting) rated 11.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per 36 minutes last season (link).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da2peSZgI3A

On paper, it looks like Baynes will be a good fit for his new team. The Boston Celtics need some size on their front court, especially after losing Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynyk in free agency. Baynes will help their rebounding issues, and at the same time be a veteran presence who can help out immediately, while their younger big men (Ante Zizic, Guershon Yabusele, Semi Ojeleye) develop and get used to the NBA pace of play.

He will also be able to lighten Al Horford's minutes at the center spot through the 82-game grind, and gives the Celtics the option of playing a more traditional lineup, versus small ball.

Anyone knows a great place for barbie in Boston? An Aussie might be keen to know.

https://twitter.com/aronbaynes/status/884146555061751808