As expected, I don't agree with your narrative. Its very back/white: Baynes was a starter for Brad last season and Big Baby/Powe were never regular starters for Doc.Exactly! Players individual numbers are often a product of their role and how well it fits their game and/or exposes them to show their weaknesses.
This is why Baynes' numbers are so good in that Brad can easily spot him his minutes against matchups that fit his skillset. Doc did this during Big Baby and Powe's years here and it's been done forever with reserve in this league (especially bigs). It is also why a player like Lonzo Ball is being scrutinized while really being forced to play a role that exploits pretty much every flaw he has while limiting him from utilizing his strength. So much more to player evaluation than raw numbers even if they are analytically based.
Baynes started 67 of 81 games played last year (83% games). He averaged18mins/gm. He put up excellent advanced metrics against the other teams best Center.
BUT I do agree that he is one of the best role players this season and Brad deserves some credit.
In a situational role this season, Aron Baynes ranks
1. ranks #2 in the NBA in screen assists/36
2. ranks #2 in the NBA in Box Outs/36
3. ranks #2 in the NBA in charges drawn/36.
4. shoots FT at 87%, better than any starting Center in the NBA
https://stats.nba.com/players/hustle-leaders
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