You and BC. Whoduh thunk it?
I am not sure about your question given how well Saric and Kaminski are playing. I tend to say no. Baynes play does show how important solid physical positional defense at the 5 is—even if it’s not shot blocking.
I based my opinion about that on still believing that a strong Center will
help us become a playoff contender more than a finesse Center, which
is what we've seen from Ayton. That is not a criticism of Ayton, but
rather of how he is used.
Considering that PF is our least solid position at this time, sliding Ayton
there upon his return would also cause the least amount of readjusting
for the rest of, what will hopefully be, a contending team.
Imagine the reaction if Ayton steps back into the role he played last
season and we start losing.
I also believe that Ayton will appreciate the pressure being taken off
him that he shouldered last season.
Plus, with the refs running wild in determining who is going to win,
especially when they lose their whistles during the stretch run and
in the playoffs, Baynes fits the role in the post more than Ayton.