Family a blessing for Aron

JORDAN GERRANS FATHERHOOD and a second child on the way is the catalyst behind a more relaxed and balanced Mareeba’s Aron Baynes’ outstanding NBA playoffs form.

That is the view of his older brother Callum as the Far North junior now prepares to take on LeBron James for a place in the NBA Finals series.

The 31-year-old has one son, Mason, with wife Rachel, younger sister of Gold Coast Rollers guard Matthew Adekponya, with another child on the way in July.

Callum, who played with the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL and Hawke’s Bay in the New Zealand NBL, believes the focus on family time from Boston coach Brad Stevens is behind his brother’s spike in form.

Baynes produced one of his finest games as the Boston Celtics ended the season of Ben Simmons’ Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, finishing with 13 points, including one three-pointer, and nine rebounds.

“There is a big focus with coach Stevens with your life outside of basketball,” Callum said. “Aron and Rachel are getting things ready for the second baby so they are changing around bedrooms in the house, which is a focus on the family and a step away from basketball.

“That is so important to have that balance.

“Rachel is fantastic in that regard in supporting Aron, he knows everything is under control at home when he is on the road, but when he is at home, he is as hands on as you can be.”

Baynes had barely shot a three-pointer in his first five seasons in the NBA, but against Philadelphia he buried seven of 16 attempts, or 44 per cent.