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Phoenix Suns: Grading every player’s 2019-20 season

By Jono Perilli

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Dario Saric #20 after scoring against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 28, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 28: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Dario Saric #20 after scoring against the Detroit Pistons during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 28, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Aron Baynes

I’m going to be as simple as possible here, Aron Baynes was excellent in the 2019-20 season.

Baynes was genuinely one of the most improved players in the NBA, making a massive leap from a decent backup big, to one of the best shooting big men in the league. Baynes was playing like an actual All-Star at one point, carving through defenses with a great paint presence and the ability to stretch the floor that would make Dirk proud. He was great on defense and was an effective rebounder.

In 42 games, Baynes averaged 11.5 points per game, with 5.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 35 percent from the arc. It’s really a shame Baynes ended up missing up a period of time because of injury. How did this happen though? How did Aron Baynes, of all people, become one of the most deadly centers in the West?

light. Related Story. Remember the possibility of a Suns or Jazz NBA Finals trip?

Two things here. Firstly, he made perfect work of Ayton’s lengthy 25-game suspension, earning the starting spot over him, opportunity sparked it really. Secondly, he improved from a big body in the paint to a hulking center with the ability to nail the three at ease.

Baynes had some fantastic games this season, but none were as good as his day out in Portland. In one of the last games of the season, Baynes broke out for 37 points, with 16 rebounds, scoring a whopping nine threes, that’s right, NINE THREES. Even when Ayton was out with that suspension, Baynes was dishing out 20 point games consistently, and efficiently. He did have some points where he struggled to get his mojo, but that can be blamed on that pesky hip injury.

The only issue here is that the Suns must pay Baynes to bring him back for next season, which could foil their plans on dishing out big paydays for Ayton or a free agent stud. But, why not bring him back for a veteran presence on Ayton, plus how can you not pass up on that awesome beard of his.

Baynes had himself a great season and has left all of his Australian fans begging for more.

Grade: A

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