Aron Baynes announces he is retiring from basketball

It may have been just one year in Phoenix, but Baynes was impactful.

Former Phoenix Suns big man Aron Baynes announced his retirement from professional basketball on Wednesday.

For some, this might have been expected since he was no longer in the NBA, playing instead for the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL (National Basketball League). And let’s be real, he was still playing strong! But I didn’t see this coming, not yet. Damn. Aron was part of a special time for our team in the Valley. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane—or should we call it Baynes Boulevard?

First, I’d like to point out that although Aron Baynes was born in New Zealand, we Australians have a habit of claiming people as our own. But “Bangers” went a step further—he became Australian!

On July 6, 2019, “Bangers” was traded to the Phoenix Suns, along with the draft rights to Ty Jerome, for a protected 2020 first-round pick. Baynes soon became our starting center after Deandre Ayton was suspended for 25 games due to a failed drug test. Thanks, Ayton!

Baynes stepped up and fit into the role so well that he had his best game in a Suns jersey during a 127–117 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored 37 points and hit nine three-pointers—both career highs—while grabbing 16 rebounds! The only other player to ever do that was James Harden. Aron Baynes and James Harden in the same conversation? Unreal!

Baynes’ time in Phoenix was met with warmth and appreciation, and Aron returned the love. He brought energy, a strong physical presence, and was just a fun guy to have around. He was always entertaining in interviews and loved connecting with fans.

However, Baynes’ career wasn’t without its challenges. In July 2020, he was one of two Suns players to test positive for COVID-19, which kept him out of the “NBA Bubble.” Just as he recovered, a right knee injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. But hey, there’s always next year, right?

Then tragedy struck again. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Aron Baynes suffered a spinal cord injury after slipping in the bathroom during a game against Italy. He was knocked unconscious, and when he came to, he had numbness in his limbs and couldn’t walk. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered internal bleeding putting pressure on his spine.

But Aron didn’t let that keep him down. He worked hard, rehabbing like a beast. Not only did he manage to play basketball again—he learned to walk again! This guy’s a legend. I love him.

After his recovery, he continued playing with the Brisbane Bullets, making a real impact as a key player. I’m so happy for Aron Baynes. He gave everything he had to the game—a true competitor and an even better person.

Congratulations, mate. Enjoy your retirement!