Basketball news 2024: ‘Never say never’: Legendary Boomer open to comeback

A former star Boomer and NBA champion is not ruling out a potential comeback to basketball declaring he still has a love and burning passion for the game.

Aron Baynes has declared he still loves the game of basketball and has not given up on playing professionally again.

The legendary 37-year-old Boomers man mountain last played for the Brisbane Bullets in NBL24 and says, while he is enjoying the freedom to spend time with his children and get involved with elite development through the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Asia program, he’ll “never say never” about a return to the game.

“Nothing’s labelled, mate, I haven’t made any decisions yet,” Baynes told Code Sports when asked if he’d considered retirement.

“My body’s good, I’m moving well, you know, I’m just at the point that, right now, I can do what I want, when I want, which is fun.

“I’m focused on my family and being there for my kids.

Aron Baynes had a successful NBA career. Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images/AFP

“You’re never going to get this opportunity back.”

Baynes, who won an NBA title with San Antonio in a decorated career that included Olympic bronze in Tokyo, said he was staying “fit, healthy and active” and laughed when asked if he’d given up on the NBA.

“I’m still in the gym, I’m still working out, I haven’t put on the Freshmans 15, yet,” he said.

“If (Boston general manager of basketball) Brad (Stevens) was to put out a call... but, you know, at the same time, it’s a game about potential and it’s fun to sit back and watch that.

“(Boston centre) Al’s (Horford, 38) still running around out there, so, you know, never say never.”

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Originally published as Basketball news 2024: ‘Never say never’: Legendary Boomer open to comeback