Baynes makes immediate impact in Brisbane

It hasn’t taken long for Aron Baynes to make an impact at the Brisbane Bullets.

Just weeks into pre-season training, Bullets GM of basketball Sam Mackinnon has revealed Baynes is leading a cultural shift in Brisbane.

“He’s (Baynes) been unbelievable, he holds everyone to account and I think he’s older now and he realises the impact he can have on the young guys,” Mackinnon said via Newscorp.

“He helped set that culture with the Boomers and he loves Brisbane — he not only wants our club to be good but he wants to be here, long term.

“He’s going through his own rehab process but what he’s brought to the group, that’s why he’s worth every cent.”

While his voice holds great significance, Baynes is also empowering his teammates to hold him accountable and not be scared to speak up.

“It’s about making sure when I do speak, my message is heard and I’m not over-talking to them,” Baynes told Channel 10.

“As much as I am talking to them, I’m also telling them if they see me doing something, pull me up and talk to me about it. It’s been a while since I’ve played.”

Baynes is one of Australia’s greatest ever basketballers and has enjoyed a decorated career in the NBA and with the Australian Boomers. He suffered a career-threatening spinal cord injury at the Tokyo Olympics and is making his return via the NBL.

With a second import slot still available, Mackinnon said the club is targeting a player who can make an impact without scoring.

“(We’re looking for) a guy who can play the three and the four, a swingman. Everyone wants the Antonius Cleveland-type player, someone who can make something out of nothing,” Mackinnon said.

“With the roster balance that we get, he doesn’t have to be a scorer. We’re going to have Tyler (Johnson), Sobes (Nathan Sobey) and Aron, so someone who can play without the ball and still be impactful.”

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