Andrew Bynum still a long shot from returning for season opener as he recovers from knee injury – NBA News
Andrew Bynum reported for practice with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday hoping that he will be able to finally scrimmage with the team and be there on court as they go through their routines, but was instead met with bad news that his knee had not yet healed and was consequentally not cleared by the team doctors to participate in the team practice.
Bynum suffered a bone bruise on his right knee during an offseason workout, which has already forced him to miss all of the preseason. With the regular season only days away, he was hopeful to start for the Sixers in the season opener against the Denver Nuggets, but is now a long shot from being able to do that.
The team management believe that Bynum is a huge investment for the team and is considered as the superstar of the future. Hence, they do not want to put him in any risk and will not rush his return. Bynum is now only expected to play once the pain in his knee goes away and there is no risk of complications or later injuries.
"He's a big investment for our team. We want to be cautious. When he is pain free, that's when he will start basketball activities,” said team General Manager Tony DiLeo.
Bynum is coming off his best season so far in the NBA, having averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds for the Los Angeles Lakers last season and winning his first All Star nomination. He was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in four team trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers. While sitting on the sidelines, Bynum has been observing the system of his new coach Doug Collins, and seems impressed by what he sees.
“I think he has a very good handle on our personnel and what each guy does well and stuff. I think it's important, especially as a big guy -- to know the guys you're playing with,” said Bynum.
The Sixers have not felt the absence of Bynum much during the preseason, as they went 6-1 in their seven preseason games to finish at the top of the Eastern Conference. That is not to say that Bynum is not important to the team, as the All Star center will definitely make them better when he returns.
But Collins says that he needs to tell his team they can win without him, which is what he is trying to do.
“We're not going to look over at a lifeline and say, `Let's wait for our lifeline to get back.' From a coaching standpoint, I have to let our players know we're good enough,” added Collins.
The approach has certainly worked so far and the Phillies will be hoping that the eventual addition of Bynum only takes the team ahead.
Tags: