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With all the moves the Boston Celtics made during the offseason, one position they really wanted to bolster is the center spot. Although they have Al Horford, they were looking for a natural center that will allow him to play the four spot in some stretches, to have a taller lineup, capable of rebounding better inside the paint.
That was addressed when they signed Aron Baynes, who gives the Celtics a wide-bodied big man who has proven he can hold his own against some of the better centers in the league today. The Celtics think highly of him, and have given him a good amount of playing time in their first few games. His efforts have not gone unnoticed as even San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, has given him the highest of compliments, comparing him to an all-time great.
Gregg Popovich just compared Aron Baynes to Dave Cowens. Said obviously he's not in the same league, but rugged hustle similar.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) October 30, 2017
This definitely says a lot about Aron Baynes' effectiveness on the court. He may not produce elite numbers, but his hustle and energy, especially on the defensive end, is comparable to the 1973 MVP, who is also a two-time champion. The Celtics center is currently averaging career-high numbers across the board with 6.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.0 block in 19.8 minutes per game.
Although Baynes is not expected to play at the same level as the former eight-time All-Star in his career, he could use Gregg Popovich's words as motivation to become even better. After all, Popovich knows something about the Australian big man, having coached him for some time in San Antonio.
