Boston Celtics: Complete 2017 offseason grades

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward get introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

9 of 12

Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images /

Signing Aron Baynes

After signing Gordon Hayward, the Celtics had just a cap exception or minimum contracts to offer free agents in finding a potential starting center. With Ante Zizic not yet ready for the role, and Al Horford wishing to start at the 4, the team had limited resources but a fairly significant need.

They met that need in signing Aron Baynes to a one-year, $4.3 million contract. The Australian center first broke into the league with the San Antonio Spurs, then spent the past two seasons backing up Andre Drummond in Detroit.

Although lacking offensive polish, Baynes is a bruiser down low, and immediately steps in as the Celtics’ best rebounder. Defensively he was one of the best players on the Pistons last season, with opponents scoring just 98.5 points per 100 possessions with Baynes on the court — a number that would have led the league over a full season. ESPN‘s Real Plus-Minus rated Baynes as the 10th best defensive center in the league last season.

The Celtics struggled to clean the glass even with Amir Johnson and Tyler Zeller last season, and both of those players are gone — as is Kelly Olynyk, probably the team’s best full-time center last season. Baynes is a low-cost option who can fill his role well, and who isn’t coming in with the expectation of closing games — Horford will close at center. Baynes isn’t changing the direction of this team, but he’s a solid signing.

Grade: B+

Home/Boston Celtics