Aron Baynes ruled out of Olympics after freak change-room accident
Australia's hopes of winning gold in men's basketball have been dealt a huge blow, with NBA centre Aron Baynes ruled out for the rest of the Olympics.
Baynes slipped and fell on the change-room floor during a game earlier this week and aggravated a neck injury.
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The triple Olympian failed to finish Australia's recent game against Italy, which the Boomers won to improve their Tokyo record to 2-0.
Team doctor David Hughes explained that Baynes had been hurt on court and later "slipped in the bathroom and suffered further injury".
"It became apparent to the medical staff that this was a bit more serious than just an average injury and so as a precaution he was taken to hospital and he's undergoing further tests at the moment," Hughes said.
Baynes has won an NBA title with San Antonio Spurs and established himself as one of the world's most physical forwards.
He was a crucial cog in Australia's push towards a maiden international medal.
"I am really disappointed that I can't continue in the Olympics," Baynes said.
"I along with the rest of the team have been working so hard in our quest for an historic Olympic medal and I am gutted that I can't complete the journey with the boys', but I have every confidence that they will get the job done".
Aussies devastated over Aron Baynes injury
Teammate Patty Mills admitted Baynes' absence would be a significant hurdle.
"It's a tough loss for us," Mills said.
"His presence on the floor and physical play has been a big part of our identity for so long and that will be missed, but it doesn't change our focus and how we go about our business and what we have come to achieve.
"We have always spoken about how important each player's role is, and the impact it can have for the better of our group because of our depth.
"That doesn't change. We've got Baynsey's back. We'll cover for him.
"I have every confidence in this playing group and our focus will not waiver as we strive for that Olympic gold medal."
Australia plays Germany on Saturday in their final pool game, with Jock Landale, Duop Reath and Nick Kay set to take the extra front-court load in Baynes' absence.
Bloody awful news but Kay, Landale and Duop will step up. And Aron still will collect a well-earned medal at the end.
— Boti Nagy (@boti_nagy) July 30, 2021
Huge loss. Going to be tough going against the team with physical big guys. The likes of Gobert, Valanciunas and Gasol if we run into those teams. Get well soon Baynesy
— Tom Mckinnon (@Tee_mack_) July 30, 2021
Horrible news. 😔
Hopefully an opportunity for Kay to shine (more then he already has)— Dorothy Mantooth (@princegil4) July 30, 2021
So sad, massive blow for us! But as Patty said, #Boomers are tight knit and have Baynesy’s back. We can still do this 💚💛🙌🏻
— Taryn (@MsTaz84) July 30, 2021
Really, really hurts.
— Paul Tobin (@ptobz29) July 30, 2021
with AAP
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