Former Celtics center retires from NBA after nine seasons

Aron Baynes officially retired from the NBA on Wednesday.

“The boy from Mareeba! It has been an honor of a lifetime to represent you throughout your career,” Baynes’ agent Daniel Moldovan posted on social media. “They embody everything we teach young athletes about professionalism, dedication and playing for names on the front of the jersey, not the back.” I love you, Azza! All the best in retirement”

Baynes spent two of his nine NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics and also spent time with the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors. The 1.90 meter tall center has not taken part in an NBA game since the 2020/21 season.

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During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, representing Australia, Baynes suffered a spinal cord injury that ended his career. After two terrible falls, he was no longer able to walk. An MRI revealed that Baynes had internal bleeding that was putting pressure on his spinal cord. Baynes made a full recovery, returned to basketball and played the last two seasons for the Brisbane Bullets in Australia’s NBL.

Baynes helped the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2017-18 season. In two years with Boston, the big man averaged 5.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.6 blocks.

Baynes, a 2013-14 NBA champion with the Spurs, finishes his NBA career having played 522 games.