Free-agent center Aron Baynes could miss entire 2021-22 NBA season with severe nerve damage in his neck

Baynes suffered the injury during Australia's win over Italy in group play and missed the team's final four games of the tournament. According to Australian Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Hughes, Baynes also slipped and fell in the locker room on the same day, making the injury worse. 

"It was a complicated series of events," Hughes told reporters, according to Yahoo Sports. "He did suffer an injury during the match on the court, and then he had a slip in the bathroom and suffered further injury."

The Toronto Raptors waived Baynes earlier this week after a disappointing 2020-21 season. It's unclear if his neck injury was factored into Toronto's decision, as it was unlikely his player option worth $7.3 million was going to be exercised even if he were healthy.

Baynes, 34, averaged 6.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game last season with the Raptors while shooting 44.1% from the field. 

In addition to Toronto, Baynes has also played for the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns over his nine-year career. 

Despite being waived by the Raptors, Baynes was expected to draw interest in the open market from teams looking to add to their frontcourt depth this summer. Now he'll likely remain a free agent until he's healthy.