Boston Celtics: Complete 2018 offseason grades

Re-signing Aron Baynes

After having a career year in green, Aron Baynes was adamant he and the rest of the Celtics had unfinished business to tend to in 2018-19. Complicating the issue was his pending free agency, with question marks looming over Boston’s commitment to potentially cross into the luxury tax, combined with Baynes’ ability to knock back potential rival offers.

Baynes eventually signed a two-year, $11 million deal to remain in Beantown, with the second year being a player option. Helping the Celtics’ cause was a dry market for big men, with franchises tight on cap space and unwilling to fork out the ludicrous amount of cash we’ve seen thrown around in recent years.

Via MassLive, Baynes admitted he’s ready to take on greater responsibility at this stage of his career, having started 67 games last season for the Celtics.

"“I always want a big role,” Baynes said. “I want more of a role and I want to be able to contribute to the team more. That’s always one of those big things. That was one of the big reasons for coming here.”"

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/994385114342789122

Key to that ambition will be continued improvement in his 3-point shot, after he was able to turn into a legitimate threat from beyond the arc in the playoffs out of seemingly nowhere. Baynes had shot 4-for-29 from 3 before the playoffs began, only to knock down 11 of his 23 attempts during the postseason. It was an incredible transformation for the big Aussie, who figures to earn more playing time if that can become a consistent weapon moving forward.

On top of his shooting, Baynes was an elite defender at the center position, posting the league’s best individual defensive rating on the season (97.0). A leader in the locker room, retaining Baynes’ services was huge for the Celtics, and at the price of $5.5 million per year, it’s pretty damn good value also.

Grade: A-