Possible Free Agents for the New Orleans Pelicans: Two Low-Cost Bigs
46. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Phoenix Suns. Aron Baynes. player. 66. Center
Strengths: Stretching the floor, toughness, team chemistry, size
Weaknesses: Rim protection, turnovers
Key Statistics: 35.1 percent 3-point shooter on four attempts per game
How he fits with the Pelicans:
Aron Baynes, like Brook Lopez, has evolved his traditional big man game to fit the modern NBA.
This meant abandoning his back-to-the-basket post play and becoming more of a stretch-five, a center who can pull opposing bigs away from the basket.
With the wrecking ball known as Zion taking up most of the lane, the New Orleans Pelicans need a big who can stretch the floor and stay out of his way.
Baynes has become this type of player, raising his 3-point attempts from practically none to four a game and knocking down 35.1 percent of them.
Baynes has a nice shooting stroke and has shown that he can get hot from long-range, especially from the corner 3-pointer, as he did when he scored 37 points for the Suns, knocking down nine from behind the arc.
If you looked at the big Aussie you’d think he belongs in another era, but to his credit, Baynes saw the writing on the wall and knew he’d have no future in the NBA if he didn’t learn how to shoot the three.
Baynes does have some weaknesses. He doesn’t protect the rim well, can be somewhat matchup-dependent if the opposition has a fast big man and he turns the ball over way too much.
But the New Orleans Pelicans would really only need his shooting and toughness, two things they currently lack.
Baynes may not be much of a shot blocker, but he is a tough, physical presence in the lane who gets the most out of his fouls.
He is the type of teammate that players rally around and he would instantly be a fan favorite in New Orleans.
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Baynes brings the shooting and intangibles that the Pelicans need, but the problems are age and price tag.
Baynes is 33 years old and will likely be looking for one last big contract in the NBA, which might mean a significant raise from his current $5.45 million salary.
If the Pelicans can afford him on a short-term contract, Baynes could be an ideal fit alongside Zion and Ingram while providing the Pels with some much-needed veteran toughness.
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