Big man Baynes bound to cash in
MAREEBA’S Aron Baynes is set to become the next Australian to sign a huge new NBA contract.
The big Queenslander, who becomes a free agent at the end of the season, has been outstanding in the Boston Celtics’ playoff run, shattering his former image as a one-dimensional bruiser around the basket.
Baynes has become a deadly three-point shooter – an essential skill for a modern NBA big man.
“I’m always trying to expand my game and this day and age it is about creating space and what better way to do that than to try step out there and knock down some shots?” Baynes said.
The 31-year-old, 208cm tall forward/centre has connected with 10 of his 20 three-point shots in the post season – a better percentage than Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, James Harden and Kyle Korver.
Baynes was picked up by the Celtics on a thrifty oneyear, $US4.32 million deal.
He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, giving him freedom to negotiate a new deal with Boston or another team.
The Australian, however, is focused on extending the Celtics’ 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Game three is in Cleveland tomorrow.