On October 17, Beijing time, 37-year-old center Baynes officially retired. He won the NBA championship with the Spurs in 2014 and fell while competing in the Tokyo Olympics, and was nearly paralyzed at one point.
Baines' agent, Moldova, wrote: "Boy from Mariba! It has been the privilege of my life to be an agent for your entire career. You embody everything we teach young athletes, about professionalism, dedication, and fighting for the name on the front of the jersey rather than the back. Love you, Aza (Baines' nickname). I wish you all the best in your life after retirement. ”
Baines played nine seasons in the NBA, playing for the Pistons, Spurs, Celtics, Suns and Raptors. The 2020-21 season was his last year playing in the NBA. He averaged 6.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Raptors. He won the championship with the Spurs in 2014 and won an Olympic bronze medal with the Australia men's basketball team in the summer of 2021. In the 2020 game against the Trail Blazers, he had 37 points and 16 rebounds.
It was in the summer of 2021 that Baines accidentally fell while participating in the Tokyo Olympics with the team, suffered a spinal injury, and was in danger of being paralyzed for a while.
The US media reviewed the injury process of Baines, on July 28, 2021, he lost consciousness after an accidental fall and woke up with numbness in his limbs and unable to walk. An examination at the hospital revealed that he had internal bleeding, which was causing pressure on his spine. After spending nearly two months in hospitals in Tokyo and Brisbane after his injury, Baynes returned to the court in January after repeated physical therapy and physical training, and at one point tried to return to play in the NBA again.
Agent Moldova said at the time: "It was an amazing comeback and a testament to the effort he made. ”
Although Baynes didn't make it back to the NBA, his spirit encouraged a lot of people. I wish Baines all the best in his life after retiring.