Bynum experiences overwhelming Philly love at presser
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Bynum experiences overwhelming Philly love at presser
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
If the latest 76ers press conference to introduce their newest players – Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson – is any indication, the Sixers, who have been hitting homers all summer, may have smacked a grand slam today in the atrium of the National Constitution Center.
If you weren’t one of the at least 2,000 fans who showed up with signs, painted faces in some cases and lungs ready to serenade the new Sixers, you should be advised that it was so good and positive that the Sixers – the team currying all the good favor in this city this summer – probably would have been justified charging admission to the free event.
At least 15 minutes before Bynum, Richardson, majority owner Joshua Harris, CEO Adam Aron and president Rod Thorn ascended the podium in the sprawling, gorgeous atrium, the crowd was working itself into a frenzy. Sixers coach Doug Collins, fresh off his stint as a basketball analyst, sat in the front row, smiling from ear to ear.
The mob roared chants of “An-drew Bynum!!” “Beat LA!!’ “Joshua Harris!!” and “Adam Aron!!” and, of course “Let’s go Sixers!!” before, during and after the presser.
And everyone said the right things, especially Bynum.
Appearing relaxed in sweat pants and a white Sixers tee shirt emblazoned with the franchise name in red and blue across his chest, Bynum told the cheering throng that he was blown away by the crowd (which was evident in his face as he and Richardson made their way to the dais).
When asked about his future in Philadelphia, Bynum, who can become an unrestricted free agent next summer indicated that he was so excited and moved by the reception that he couldn’t imagine not re-signing with the Sixers.
“To be honest, man, my first experience here has been so great I’m really leaning toward making this my home,” Bynum said, prompting the fans to explode in cheers that made much of what he said after that inaudible. “I’m really leaning to making this my home.”
To which Harris, grinning from ear to ear, responded: “Where do I sign.”
Bynum allayed fears that anything was wrong with his knee and that the non-surgical procedure on his knee in Germany had been already scheduled for Sept. 9.
When it was over, Bynum couldn’t help but return the love, signing autographs (Richardson, too) until he had to do more of his press duties.
This is probably the most excited the team’s fan base has been in years. I was asked how this compared to when the Sixers signed Allen Iverson. My response was that Iverson joined a team that was wretched, one that had no expectations.
Bynum is an all-star center with a pair of championship rings whose best playing days should be in front of him. Sixers fans get that and know that this is far different.
Am still not convinced about Bynum's maturity. Some questions routinely came up about it here on the Left Coast where the Lakers are thoroughly covered. Am hopeful though, that new locale/new role on a team will bring out the best in him.
btw. - Am eager to Hawes at PF in high post where his abilities will be maximized. And safe to assume that Kwame Brown is now the b/u center - not Hawes.
It should never be a question of how committed to winning Iverson was or wasn't. The 83 squad with Julius, B. Jones, Cheeks with all their greatness could not win without a super big-man(Moses Malone)
how was it some silly Philly fans complain thinking in these
days of big men dominating basketball We would have a championship without one. Hawes, Bradley, Matumbo come on PPl.— Lyrra- Why number 33 ?— ej610
- @Bearsfriend or @johngiam. Why does Bynum not wear # 17? That # is not Retired by team, so why # 33.— kerryt
- I left you a note on the other thread...I believe it's homage to Kareem. — bearsfriend
- bears - Great point. If they were hitting a homerun and knowing they'd get Bynum...we all know we wouldn't have signed Kwame Brown lol.
This is awesome and I don't want to hear about maturity issues and blah blah blah. Tell me one awesome player in the NBA who isn't somewhat of a diva???
I can't wait to go to the opener on Halloween! I am wearing a costume called "Overpaid Fake Star" anyone know where I can find an Iguodala mask??— The Villain ET - Who questioned Iverson's commitment to winning? Mitchell certainly didn't.— Rawkus
- Darm,.. 76ers, did homer this off season.I fail to see anything negative, from terms of contracts to draft picks. New ownership a far cry from Harold Katz days. Damm, the team is Bigger, can shoot 3's, young, fast and play D inside and out. Good grief,... is this for real???— RicardoZ
- I Never questioned Iversons will to win during his prime. Neither did that LA guard, named something, "Luu", the guy AI steped over after hitting that corner shot in the plaoffs. But that was then, today, Man 76ers just got real good,.. man, pinch me please.— RicardoZ
- I echo the same sentiment ET the Villain. Overpaid and a decent compliment to a true star. But this is a day for celebration, not a day to worry about Iggy. I happen to have a lot of confidence in your username. With Bynum maning the post, look for Turner to blossom. More than anything else because Iggy is no longer around. I don't believe that Turner was ever a true SG, but i think he can be consistent from 12 to 16 feet. With improvement to Holiday and the outside shooters we now have. Turner will be our mid range shooter and slasher his game was suited to be from the outset. I think we now match up with anyone in a series and can beat them. INCLUDING THE HEAT.— kerryt
- @kerryt It'a a homage to kareem or his high school number?— Darryl Cofield
- I hope this site publishes the goings on at the Iggy Denver press conference so we can see how excited he is to be in the Mile High City.— DelawareRiverRat
- Bearsfriend said in another thread that the key to making all this work is Doug's work in training camp and the preseason games. How does an out-of-town fan find the preseason schedule? Not on the official website (they only want to sell season tix, which I guess they are!).— tomvallar
- Tom, I'm sure that will come out REAL soon(on the Sixers' site, and StubHub,etc)...Just digging around the league (about half of them have already announced the pre-season games), it appears it's a 7 games schedule, with a handful of teams playing 8...The Sixers will be in Orlando 11/11, they'll be home at the WFC 11/15 (Celtics) and 11/17 (Cavs)...and they're at Boston on 11/21...Happy hunting. — bearsfriend
- @bearsfriend, I was in attendance (I work across the street). I was really surprised at the spectrum of fans in attendance. There were about 1,500 people from all backgrounds of race, age, profession ect. Hats off to the decision makers as this was a terrific idea that "netted" the exact desired response. DC did not speak and all in my crowd were just praying the words; dream team, dynasty, championship(s), dominate, superstar did not drop out of Bynam's mouth. To his credit he was genuinely shocked and humbled by the crowd. His face had a childish smile the entire time. At the end he also seemed to not want to leave. He signed autographs and threw his signed shoes into the crowd right off his feet. It is safe to say he is getting precisely what he wanted. Interestingly, if the sixers truly believe he re-signs, can we please start planning the 1 or 2 more moves needed which they might otherwise not make if AB is in doubt? Very excited, but as constructed today I'm afraid the Sixers are only slightly better (48 wins). Obviously with the real potential for something special down the road a bit...— Independent_1
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
