Season Review: Aron Baynes has Strong First Season in Detroit
The Pistons' first move of the 2015 Free Agency period was when they signed slightly used San Antonio Spurs backup center, Aron Baynes to a 4-year $20 million deal. At first glance, it was a questionable move by GM Jeff Bower and coach Stan Van Gundy, and it was still questionable throughout the first few months of the season.
In the first three months of the season, including October, Baynes averaged just over 4 points and 4 rebounds per game. He was highly ineffective, shooting only about 45% from the field. He also shot under 65% from the free throw line. The drop in production when Andre Drummond left the court and Baynes came on, was drastic. The Pistons bench unit was not producing, and Baynes was a major part of that issue.
Then, when January rolled around Baynes' play drastically rose. In January, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He shot 59.3% from the field and 82.9% from the free throw line. He played a season high 30 minutes against the Denver Nuggets on January 23rd, posting 13 points and 10 rebounds in the game. He also had two blocks. January was the turnaround month for Baynes, as he finished the season off very well.
Baynes would finish the season averaging 6.3 points and 4.7 rebounds, and a career high 0.6 blocks per game. He shot 76.4% from the free throw line, and 50.5% from the field. In his only start of the season, the last game of the regular season, Baynes finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 28 minutes versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Baynes would go on to average 2.5 points and 2 rebounds in 10.8 minutes per game in the playoffs. He shot 44% from the field.
The 2015-2016 season was Aron Baynes best season of his four-year career. He established a true role with the Pistons, and does not have to battle other players for the backup center minutes.In San Antonio he had to deal with both Jeff Ayres and Matt Bonner for minutes. He averaged 15.2 minutes per game in Detroit.
Baynes has found his team. He has found his future. He can be a backup center, that can start if needed to. Baynes had a solid first season in Detroit, and he looks to build on it going into the 2016-2017 season.
Featured image via: Detroit Free Press