Phoenix Suns: Aron Baynes focused on consistency and staying within system
The Big Banger is not ready to make a return yet, but he's still making an impact in Arizona. The Boomers big man recently spoke to ESPN's Kane Pitman on taking continued steps towards getting better with the Phoenix Suns, one game at a time.
"When we stay within [Suns coach] Monty [William's] system, we see how good we can be but when we go off and do our own thing our consistency isn't there," Baynes shared. "It's definitely something we are learning from and we are all trying to get better and trying to put together a full 48 minutes which we still haven't done. There is still a lot of room for improvement which is a good thing for us, but we are trying to make those steps."
The Phoenix head coach also complimented Baynes' presence as a glue guy on the Suns, and how his experience with the Australian Boomers translated.
"Aron's been good for us, he brings a bit of that national team flavour. Those guys are unifiers, connectors," Williams commented. "He's had a few injuries that have held him back but he brings a life to the team that at times we need and I just like the guys that play on the national teams because they tend to bring some of that to their NBA team, it's always good."
This season, Baynes has played 33 games, averaging 22.9 minutes with 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. The centre is still sidelined due to hip soreness, having missed seven games recently, and has no return timetable as yet.
"It's frustrating. I haven't been able to get out there and go to war with these guys over the last little bit and it's definitely frustrating, but we have that next man up mentality and the guys are making the most of their opportunities they are getting as well. That will help us be a better team down the stretch any way," Baynes shared.
The Suns are currently 20-30 in the season, and face a challenging road to the postseason, sitting 12th in the Western Conference.
Original: Aron Baynes the Phoenix Suns' connector, even from the sidelines