Brisbane Bullets – Syndication Server

Boston big man alum Aron Baynes highlights with NBL’s Brisbane Bullets

Noticeably more svelte and mobile, Baynes looks like he’s still got it in a clip circulated by the NBL.

Former Boston Celtics big man Aron Baynes has been getting back at it in Australia and New Zealand’s National Basketball League (NBL – not to be confused with the NBA predecessor league). A scary injury in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics left Baynes partially paralyzed, requiring a lengthy rehab he only recently emerged from.

Noticeably more svelte and mobile, Baynes looks like he still has game in a clip circulated by the NBL that shows the former Boston big man during the Brisbane Bullets’ recent tilt against the New Zealand Breakers.

Baynes looked positively ecstatic to be back on the court, battling under the basket throwing up hook shots, and hitting 3-pointers with perhaps even greater fluidity than before his injury.

The onetime Celtics center has an out in his NBL deal to return to the NBA if a team wants to sign him, and it would not surprise us to see him playing ball back in the U.S. this season based on what we’re seeing here.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

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Report: Future of Illawarra Hawks franchise unsure, league could intervene

Despite a memorable season with LaMelo Ball, the future of the Illawarra Hawks appears to be in doubt with a league intervention possible.

Despite having LaMelo Ball and eyes across the world focused on them last season, the future of the Illawarra Hawks appears to be in serious doubt. With the current ownership group collapsing and the staff and front office uncertain of the future, as reported by the Illawarra Mercury, the NBL looks poised to step in and take control of the franchise.

On Tuesday, the league released a statement on the status of the franchise.

“The NBL is working closely with key stakeholders to ensure the ongoing viability of foundation club, the Illawarra Hawks.

“We are in ongoing discussions with the owners of the Hawks and the Australian Basketball Players’ Association (ABPA) and working together with them in what are challenging times for all sport and business right now.

“We are committed to the club remaining in the NBL and the league will step in and operate the licence should a resolution not be found in the short term. However, as is the case with many clubs across different sports, staff may be stood down as we work through this period.”

This season, Illawarra experienced a huge uptick in relevance and popularity with Ball on the roster. The team was involved in both the most-viewed and most-attended basketball games in the league’s history during the 2019-20 season.

However, that appears to have no been enough to keep the Hawks afloat sans Ball. As the season has come to a close, the future of the Hawks’ ownership group has come into more and more doubt.

In recent years, the NBL ran the Brisbane Bullets franchise before an American-led ownership group featuring former NBA guard Kevin Martin. As it stands, it appears the Hawks may soon follow suit.

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Ranking LaMelo Ball’s top five games with the Illawarra Hawks

LaMelo Ball had many great moments and games during his brief time in the NBL. Here are his five best games with the Illawarra Hawks.

LaMelo Ball’s time in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Illawarra Hawks was as memorable as it was short. Despite playing in just 12 games, Ball recorded a pair of triple-doubles and made a lasting impact on the league.

In total, he averaged 17.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists. His shooting splits were not pretty as he struggled with his jumper for much of his time with the Hawks, shooting just 38.9% from the field and 27.9% from beyond the arc.

But, as noted, his high moments in the league were as high as any of his competitors this season. Here is a look at those top moments and his best games of the season.

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