The NBA is no stranger to comebacks and players making it to the top amidst the biggest challenges. Be it players like Giannis, who came all the way from Greece or else; the NBA is a league where some players achieve the impossible.
We might be witnessing something as remarkable this offseason. Back in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Australian team featuring the likes of Patty Mills and Joe Ingles were facing off against European giants Italy. While the ‘Boomers’ managed to squeak a win, the game was really overshadowed by the events that took place in their locker room.
Former Raptors center Aron Baynes who was playing for the team, suddenly collapsed in the locker room and fell unconscious. The moment Baynes opened his eyes, things looked rather grim as the 6’10” center reportedly could not feel his legs, and it was later revealed that the center had suffered a serious spinal cord injury due to internal bleeding.
While many players would have given up in the same situation, the now 35-year-old persevered. Learning to walk again in the summer of 2021 and going through various physical therapies, the former Suns center finally regained his strength and is on the precipice of making an amazing comeback.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently revealed that Baynes will indeed be attempting to make a comeback to the NBA as he will be working out with multiple NBA teams today.
Aron Baynes, who suffered a spinal cord injury after a freak fall while playing for the Australian national team in the Tokyo Olympics last summer, has resumed his career and will be working out for NBA teams Friday in Las Vegas.
This is certainly a great story of perseverance and determination showcased by the veteran center. While Baynes might not be a superstar of sorts, he might be a decent pickup for multiple teams in the league.
A decent defender, Baynes can be a great addition to a side looking for size, and given that he has not played in the league for the last two seasons, he might be available in a minimum contract as well.
The Australian might not get much playing time in the league, but keeping him as a rotational center might be a safe bet for many teams. Not only that, the 35-year-old has been in the league for a long time and, given all his experience can be a great veteran influence for younger players.
This story only goes on to show that the NBA never ceases to amaze its fans with its incredible stories, and this is certainly one of them.
