Basketball 2022: Boomers big man Aron Baynes to train with NBA teams after fearing career could have been over

Aron Baynes will train with NBA teams in Las Vegas this week, which is remarkable given he suffered a potential career-ending spinal injury at the Tokyo Olympics.

Josh Giddey has a new running mate in Oklahoma City — and the Aussie and lottery pick Chet Holmgren had NBA tongues wagging in their first hitout together.

Boomers big man Aron Baynes faces a significant mental challenge to overcome his recent injury struggles and return to the NBA in his mid-30s.

That’s the view of NBL and Australian legend Chris Anstey, who understands the difficulties of succeeding in the world’s best league following stints with Dallas and Chicago in the late 90s.

Baynes will work out with NBA teams in Las Vegas this week, less than a year since he suffered a potential career-ending spinal injury playing for Australia at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 35-year-old injured his neck in a group game against Italy.

He later fell in the team’s bathroom, and exacerbated the injury — knocking himself unconscious and subsequently losing the ability to walk.

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Aron Baynes will work out with NBA teams in Las Vegas this week, less than a year since he suffered a potential career-ending spinal injury.

“It was a complicated series of events,” Australian chief medical officer Dr. David Hughes told reporters at the time.

“He did suffer an injury during the match on the court, and then he had a slip in the bathroom and suffered further injury.

“It became apparent to the medical staff that this was a bit more serious than just an average injury and so as a precaution he was taken to hospital and he’s undergoing further tests at the moment.”

Let’s gooo @aronbaynes!!!!!! 💪🏻🙌🏻 https://t.co/a2826p7blK

— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) July 7, 2022

Baynes was hospitalised for two months, and just resumed basketball activity this past January.

He is determined to add to his NBA resume, which has seen him play 576 NBA games for the Spurs, Pistons, Celtics, Suns and Raptors.

It’s why the veteran Boomers big will train with multiple teams in a bid to secure another deal.

Anstey would love to see Baynes revive his NBA career, but stressed it won’t be easy.

“I think his body and mind will dictate how he goes,” Anstey said.

“At his physical and mental best, he’s one of the best positional big defenders in the league.

“If he’s not able to get to where he needs to be physically, there is so much talented size coming into the NBA, but it’s great to see him back on the floor somewhere if that’s where he wants to be.”

Australian legend Chris Anstey has stressed it won’t be easy for Baynes, but it is possible.

NBA Summer League: Giddey shines as OKC unveils new star

Australian NBA star Josh Giddey impressed in his first game since February, but it was his uncanny connection with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s top draft pick that had the basketball world talking.

Minneapolis-born power forward Chet Holmgren – who the Thunder took at No.2 in this year’s draft, put on a show alongside Giddey in his Summer League debut in a dominant 98-77 win over the Utah Jazz.

Holmgren produced an explosive first half, dropping 18 points, including four of five from range.

Josh Giddey has a new running mate in Oklahoma City — and the Aussie and lottery pick Chet Holmgren had NBA tongues wagging in their first hitout together.

He finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists while his synergy with Giddey on the offensive end was a highlight.

The pair looked like they had played together for years, which is a huge positive for the rebuilding Thunder who finished second last in the Western Conference last season.

Giddey recorded a double-double in his return from a season-ending hip injury, with 14 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Holmgren, though, stole the headlines to have commentators hailing his performance “special” and one of the best Summer League debuts in history.

"That's a record?... Well I'm coming to break it again"@ChetHolmgren after setting the Utah Summer League Record for blocks with 6. pic.twitter.com/ygENsHwQ0l

— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2022

The 20-year-old looked like he belonged on the NBA stage with his potential offensive skills for such a big man standing at 7’ foot 1.

Holmgren spoke to the media post-game on one condition – that he could do the interview with a teammate.

He fittingly selected Giddey and praised the Aussie guard for helping him make his transition to the NBA – admittedly the Summer League – so much easier.

“A shout out to this guy here (Giddey) – he had a double-double, so it was a great night for him and that helped me a lot,” Holmgren said, as he stood with his arms around Giddey.

“Also, a shout out to my teammates for setting me up and putting me in positions to be successful.”

Giddey was equally glowing in praise for Holmgren, who also had a Summer League record six blocks.

“The hype that he came in with and the way that he played tonight was big for us,” Giddey said.

“Being a high pick like that there is a lot of pressure coming in, but he handled it as good as he could of.

“It makes my job really easy playing with someone like him who can stretch the floor, finish at the rim, and protect me.

“He has my back on the defensive end, so I love playing with him.

“It has only been one game, but the chemistry is already getting stronger.”

Aussie NBA star Josh Giddey stars in his first game since February when a hip injury ended his rookie NBA season.

Giddey picked up where he left off last season, excelling in his first NBA appearance since a hip injury ended his remarkable rookie season.

The Melbourne-born guard had more NBA experience than most of his rookie rivals, and it showed as he calmly steered the Thunder around the court with class and poise.

Giddey brushed aside two clunky turnovers in the first quarter to quickly rediscover his trademark pinpoint passing and vision.

The rising Boomer’s connection with Oklahoma City’s newest draft star Holmgren, was particularly pretty to watch.

Giddey had an immediate cohesion with Holmgren, including one play in the first quarter when he drew two defenders before finding the rising big for a three.

The partnership had Thunder fans rejoicing online at the prospect of having two of the NBA’s best rising talents.

Giddey enjoyed a memorable rookie season, highlighted by becoming the youngest player to record a triple-double.

He amassed four triple-doubles in total, including three straight in February before a hip injury prematurely ended his season.

Giddey has the potential to reach greater heights this season, especially in a hugely talented Thunder side featuring one of the 2022 draft’s best players in Holmgren.