No matter how much the Phoenix Suns profess their love for Aron Baynes, this is not how things were supposed to go for him and the franchise.
He was acquired this summer from the Celtics, along with a first-round pick that was thought to be the gem of the deal.
But then DeAndre Ayton got suspended 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, leaving the Suns little choice but to throw Baynes in and see what happens.
Not only has he produced career highs across the board, but his play has been one of the keys to Phoenix’s faster-than-expected run of success that they hope to continue tonight at the expense of Baynes' former team, the Boston Celtics.
The Celtics (10-2) comes into tonight’s game having had their 10-game winning streak snapped last night in Sacramento when Marcus Smart’s potential game-winning shot rimmed out as time expired.
Boston takes on a Phoenix team that’s 7-4 with wins in five of the last seven games, which has the Suns fifth in the Western Conference in this still-young NBA season.
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The Suns have a laundry list of players who have elevated their play, but few stand out quite like Baynes, who arrived in Phoenix via trade after having spent the previous two seasons in Boston.
This season, he’s averaging 15.0 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists while shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 46.8 percent from 3-point range in 23.8 minutes — all career highs for the veteran center.
And in typical Aron Baynes fashion, he still ranks among the best defensive centers in the NBA.
This season, he has a total of eight charges drawn, which ranks third in the NBA.
While the Celtics players who saw action with Baynes a year ago miss him, they are happy to see their former teammate doing well in Phoenix.
“Baynes, that’s my guy,” Boston’s Jaylen Brown told reporters. “He’s crazy as hell but I’m excited to see him; make sure I give him a big hug (tonight).”
When told about Brown’s “crazy as hell” comment prior to tonight’s game, Baynes jokingly told reporters, “That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
And while Brown acknowledges a good number of Suns players have stepped their game up this season, Baynes’ impact at both ends of the floor has been a pleasant surprise and critical component to their success.
“No question,” Brown said. “Baynes is selfless; Baynes is playing really well right now. He’s everything that young team needs. So he’s definitely a big reason why they are doing well.”
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Don’t miss NBC Sports Boston's coverage of Celtics-Suns, which tips off Monday at 8 p.m. ET with Celtics Pregame Live, and then Mike & Scal have the call of the game at 9 p.m. You can also stream the game through the MyTeams App.