Andrew Bynum addition starting to pay off for the Philadelphia 76ers – NBA News
The Philadelphia 76ers reached new heights of popularity during the era of Allen Iverson, with fans filling the arena on a daily basis to watch their team play. However, ever since the departure of Iverson, the Sixers have not
been able to create any buzz because they have been unable to proceed in the playoffs.
The Phillies have not seen much success in the last few years, which eventually led to low turnouts. However, last year the Sixers once again had some buzz around them as they started the season well and managed to reach the 2nd
round of the playoffs, where they pushed the Boston Celtics to seven games.
The interest and excitement in the Sixers franchise has once again been restored with the addition of All Star big man Andrew Bynum to the roster. Bynum was traded to the Sixers in a four team trade that landed All Star centre
Dwight Howard with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Sixers had to trade All Star guard Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets in return, but are ecstatic that Bynum will be joining them next season.
Bynum is coming off the best season of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds, both career high figures. Expectations are high from the 24 year old, who is being looked as the
future face of the franchise and the man who will become the leader of the team and guide them to consistent playoff appearances.
And Bynum’s arrival has already started to pay off.
Sixers CEO Adam Aron told ESPN.com that the Sixers have already doubled their season ticket base, which means that 92 percent of season ticket holders have renewed their packages. On top of that, the sales of the 10 game plans
have quadrupled as compared to last year.
Bynum’s arrival has gotten Sixers fans excited, which is showing in the ticket sales. Fans expect him to embrace the city like Iverson did and lead the Sixers back to contention in the Eastern Conference, something they have not
witnessed since they reached the NBA Finals in 2001, backed by an MVP winning season by Iverson.
The Sixers ranked in the 20’s in crowd turnout for many seasons but the owners were able to improve that to 14th last season. With the arrival of the burly seven footer, they might even end up in the top 10 this season.
Bynum should be expecting a contract extension offer any time now.
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