Phoenix Suns: Setting goals for every rotation player

Aron Baynes

Goal: Become a Veteran Presence for Deandre Ayton

Whether Aron Baynes will be apart of the Suns’ roster next season remains a total mystery considering his free-agent status this offseason. After his fantastic 2019-20 season, he should become quite sought-after.

What made Baynes stand out as a player was how versatile he was on the court, especially making a shooting alteration to his playstyle. He was able to still stick out as a paint threat, and he kept his typical defensive ability.

If Baynes was younger and a little less injury-prone, he would have taken the franchise center reigns from Ayton, as dramatic as that sounds. That’s how great Baynes was at full health last season as a starter.

But Baynes is 33 years old and is hitting the point in his career where he must become a mentor. And the perfect player in need of mentorship is Deandre Ayton.

Already, Ayton’s biggest issue is his lack of a jump shot and his basketball IQ. Ayton was able to show flashes in the paint last season, but it’s obvious that he was in for a breakout if he never missed those 25 games due to a suspension. If Ayton can receive mentorship from someone like Baynes, we could be onto something special with the young gun.