Brisbane Bullets sign Aron Baynes
The Brisbane Bullets are pleased to announce NBA veteran and Australian Boomers star Aron Baynes has signed with the Club on a two-year deal.
Baynes is one of Australia’s most decorated basketball players, amassing over 520 NBA games across nine seasons, including an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.
While playing for the Suns in March 2020, Baynes scored a career high 37 points while nailing nine-three pointers. He and 2018 NBA MVP James Harden are the only players in NBA history with 35+ points, 15+ rebounds and 9 three-pointers in a game.
The 208cm centre is also a three-time Olympian, having played an integral role in the Australian Olympic campaigns in London, Rio and Tokyo where the Boomers historically won a bronze medal.
Baynes suffered a career threatening spinal cord injury during the Tokyo Olympics but displayed great commitment and resolve whilst diligently working through his rehabilitation program to get back on court.
Brisbane Bullets CEO Peter McLennan is delighted to welcome Aron to the Club.
“Our strategy is very clear, we have a bold vision for the Club’s future, bringing in a Marquee player of Aron’s calibre and stature within Australian basketball aligns with the positive trajectory our Club is moving in.”
“Having NBA talent here in Brisbane is a wonderful opportunity for the community and is testament that our owners are fully invested and supportive of the Club and our future direction.
“I’m sure all of our Club’s members and supporters will join me in welcoming Aron to the Bullets family and get behind him and the rest of the roster for the coming NBL season.”
General Manager of Basketball Sam Mackinnon believes Aron Baynes experience is a great fit for the roster.
“Aron Baynes is a game changer in the NBL and we are ecstatic to get him for the Brisbane Bullets,” Mackinnon said.
“In the off season we identified that we wanted to bring in players who are professional and help redefine who we are as a basketball team and he fits that brief perfectly.”
“Adding another Olympian, two imports plus the rest of our roster. We can’t wait for October 2nd to come around.”
Hostplus Head Coach James Duncan said, “This is a great day for the city of Brisbane and the Brisbane Bullets organisation. Signing a player of Aron Baynes calibre is exciting. His resume speaks for itself.”
“His work ethic is phenomenal and he’ll bring a high standard on and off the court. We believe these attributes are invaluable.”
“Speaking to Aron, he’s eager to put us in a position to compete at the highest level and we can’t wait to get to work.”
Aron Baynes brings a wealth of experience to the Bullets NBL23 roster, joining fellow Boomer Nathan Sobey, Jason Cadee, Tyrrell Harrison, Tanner Krebs, DJ Mitchell, Harry Froling, Kody Stattmann, Gorjok Gak and development player Lual Diing on the Brisbane Bullets 2022/23 roster.
NBL23 Memberships are OPEN for renewing members. Secure your seat today!
Memberships will open to the general public on Monday 8 August. For enquiries email membership@brisbanebullets.com.au or call 1300MYBULLETS.