A Legendary Career Comes to a Close: Aron Baynes Retires from Basketball
Australian basketball fans are mourning the loss of a legend, as 37-year-old NBA champion Aron Baynes announces his immediate retirement from the sport. After leaving the Brisbane Bullets ahead of the 2024/25 season, Baynes’ management confirmed the news on Thursday morning.
A Towering Figure in Australian Basketball
Baynes will be remembered as one of the greatest big men in Australian basketball history. Born in New Zealand but raised in Queensland, he stands tall among the nation’s sporting heroes. With an impressive résumé that includes an NBA championship and an Olympic medal, Baynes joins an elite group of just three Australian men to achieve this feat.
A Dominant Force on the Court
At 208cm tall, Baynes’ physical presence was intimidating, honed from his schoolboy rugby league background. Across 576 games and nine seasons in the NBA, he proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with. His championship win with the San Antonio Spurs in 2013/14, alongside fellow Australian Patty Mills, marked a highlight of his career.
A Trailblazer in the NBA
Baynes’ impressive stats include holding the record for most three-pointers in an NBA game by a centre, until Karl-Anthony Towns surpassed him last season. He played for several teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Toronto Raptors, before making his last appearance in the league in 2021.
A Devoted Representative of Australia
Baynes’ dedication to his country was evident in his three Olympic campaigns and three World Cup appearances. He was instrumental in Australia’s fourth-placed finish in 2019, their best result at the tournament. Despite a serious spinal cord injury during the Tokyo Games, which left him unable to walk, Baynes made an inspiring comeback to the court with the Bullets in 2022.
A Lasting Legacy
As Baynes begins his retirement, tributes are pouring in from the basketball community. His agent, Daniel Moldovan, praised Baynes on social media, saying, “You embody everything that we preach to young athletes about professionalism, dedication and playing for the name on the front of the jersey, not on the back.” Baynes’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Australian basketball players.
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