Boston Celtics: 3 reasons keeping Aron Baynes is a good move

(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Defense

The pride and identity starts with the Celtics’ defense. One of their best defenders this last season was Baynes. He posted a 97.0 defensive rating and that placed him seventh in the NBA among players that played at least 15 minutes a night.

Not only that, but one of the first things you notice about Baynes is how big he is. He’s 6’10” and 260 pounds, which makes him an absolute bruiser when opposing players try to go through him. He only blocked 0.6 shots per game, but instead of blocking shots, he would just get in the way of players.

One of the most electrifying players in basketball, Giannis Antetokounmpo, is known for putting plenty of players into posters. With his freakishly long arms and body, he’s able to make players look foolish… but not Baynes.

https://twitter.com/NBA_Skits/status/937850873782394881

These two went at it a few times this year and they both won their fair share of battles, but you get the kind of bruising he inflicts.

Next: 2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

There’s no doubt that with his defense and consistency that he was a good re-sign, and an even better one since he was able to come back on a cheap deal.