Project Spurs: Future Spur Baynes Ready to Go to Work!
 

FUTURE SPUR BAYNES READY TO GO TO WORK
By Kyle Boenitz
Project Spurs


As we await the arrival of Aron Baynes, the imaginations of San Antonio Spurs’ fans must be going wild. Could this be the big man who is going to be the perfect complement to Tim Duncan? Are we looking at a guy who’s going to go out and get a double-double every night?

I’m sure the hopes are high, but after years of less-than-stellar big man performance, I wouldn’t be surprised if expectations are low.

One thing the Spurs won’t have to worry about is Baynes’ desire to put in the effort to always be improving. I haven’t seen one complaint out there about his work ethic and in a recent interview, Baynes said he’s constantly working to develop his game.

Surely the jump to the NBA is going to be a big adjustment from the European leagues Baynes has been playing in since he left Washington State in 2009. This past summer, playing against the Americans in the Olympics, Baynes committed four fouls in just eight minutes of play. Obviously he won’t be going up against an NBA All-Star team on a nightly basis, but he’ll have to get used to a much faster pace of basketball.

Of course, I don’t doubt the Spurs’ ability to scout international talent, and I’m sure with his size and his desire to constantly improve, Baynes will fit in just fine in the silver and black. I’m excited to see what this big man to do, and once those annoying visa issues are finally sorted out, we’ll get a chance to see.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The guy's a project. It may take a year before he seriously cracks the rotation. If Tiago's development is any indication, TD will be walking out the door before Baynes becomes a significant force.

By crack the rotation, do you mean play? We havent even hit the allstar break yet... i think pop gives him a shot to see what he can do. Maybe not significant role but i think he gets some PT if he gets here before allstar.

By crack the rotation I mean that he has a more or less defined role. Pop has his designated starters and a clearly outlined second unit.

He may make game adjustments depending on match ups, but it's clear that TD and Tiago are his big man starters with Boris as the primary backup. He'll filter in SJax or Bonner depending on need. Blair gets what's left at garbage time.

Unless Pop breaks his pattern of the past decade, Baynes may get Blair's minutes (I'm assuming Blair will be traded if Baynes is brought up) for the rest of this season. It would be a huge break from Pop's history if Baynes sees the court during important minutes or this year's playoffs.

Reportedly, Baynes is signed for a few years. I'd have to guess that he'll make his first significant contributions at next season's training camp. Until then, I wouldn't be surprised to see him playing most of his time in Austin with the Toros.

He's on his way - just now on Hoopshype.com

"Aussie Aron Baynes departed from Slovenia this morning to head to San Antonio to complete physical and commence paperwork with Spurs. Twitter @IAmDPick"

I think he may get some of S. Jax' minutes at the PF spot.