Ingles praises Baynes' "massive impact"

One of Australia’s greatest ever basketballers, Aron Baynes, has officially called time on his professional career and it’s a career that will forever be remembered.

“He’s had a massive impact on basketball around the world, but obviously in Australia,” Baynes’ former Boomers teammate, Joe Ingles said.

“He’s had a hell of a career ... playing in Washington State, then going to Europe and then making the NBA and eventually winning a championship there.”

Baynes became one of only three Australian players to win both an NBA title and an Olympic medal, having been part of the Boomers' bronze medal campaign in Tokyo.

While he wasn’t able to suit up in that game, his impact to help put the team in that position was undeniable.

“It was incredibly disappointing that he couldn’t finish the second half of that tournament with us,” Ingles said. “But he thoroughly deserved every part of that medal.

“From the years prior and the first few games of that tournament, he deserved it all.”

After nine seasons in the NBA, Baynes returned back to Australia to play two final seasons with the Brisbane Bullets, before announcing his retirement last week.

It was a chance for NBL fans to see the big man up close for a short time, and allowed them to get a glimpse into the physical footprint he left in every team he was a part of.

“You always knew that on the court he would have your back with his physicality,” Ingles added.

“He was there to set the tone.”

After 576 NBA games and three Olympic Games, Baynes' legacy will live on in Australian basketball history.

“A hell of a career, I’m very proud of him and hoping he’s got some great things lined up,” Ingles said.