Bynum experiences overwhelming Philly love at presser
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.
Bynum experiences overwhelming Philly love at presser
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.
Did you just say you stopped being a fan when Iverson and his 36 shots a game got traded, DJ? And last year's run of no names and unbelievable team defense that over acheived to within one game of the conference finals didn't get you interested? But now that Bynum is here, you are a die hard Sixer fan once again? Really??— Bobby V- best move in years this is coming from a disgruntled fan that left the fan base ever since they traded away the face of the franchize and vowed i wouldnt return until they made some significant changes looks like they did just that this off season way to to go front office hads off to josh adamn and rob lets go sixers!!!!— DJ_Bootleggah
- The talent is there and the fans can see it. How the Sixers jell on the court will be the key. Team defense will be crucial. Who does Collins use to guard LeBron this year? I can see us with a 2 seed heading into the playoffs. If Holiday and Turner can show continued improvement and consistency its going to be a fun year to follow.— bradco
- I was surprised Doug Collins didn't speak. I was really hoping for some insight into what the starting lineup would be outside of the 3 obvious ones (Jrue-Turner-Bynum). Richardson might be in the starting unit (according to Dei Lynum) so that really leaves Hawes-Thad-Lavoy at PF which is what I would like to hear most. Hopefully DC goes away from Hawes, but I wouldn't be surprised. Depends on how it works out. It will give them a matchup advantage against most teams height and length-wise.
Minutes are still gonna be an issue. Turner-Richardson-Nick Young at SG (though Turner will be backing up Jrue at PG too). And Hawes-Thad-Lavoy-Moultrie at PF and Bynum-Hawes-Kwame-Lavoy-Moultrie at C. Will there be another trade? With Bynum and Lavoy who could bring toughness backing him up at times Kwame becomes expendable. I find it unbelieveable that we're gonna have 3 if not 4 shooters who could average 40% from 3 in Richardson-Nick Young-Wright and possibly Jrue who should get open shots. Thing is I don't think we can move any of them cause they fill holes. Wright at SF Nick Young replacing Lou and Richardson as a possible starter/vet.— joecooler2u - Does Germany accept Medicaid?— sammydelphia
- i dont get it? — ALB328
- I just saw a circus today where an absolutely desperate franchise did everything except sacrifice a virgin to honor and flatter a fairly skilled (but eerily immobile for his age) center into signing long-term on the most unflattering terms to the future of this team. There are no sure things, but it's only even money that this guy plays the entirety of his team's games next year, and it's a lock that he will rankle with his offense/defense transition and frequent mental vacations. Today was probably a necessary evil in terms of generating buzz, season-ticket sales, etc, but let's be honest. It was shameless corporate folks at their shameless best and Bynum at his best isn't enough to get them there.— auntesther
The best part of the trade is getting rid of Iggy's whatever I dont care either way attitude. That is definately not philly style. That Mcnabb chicago give me the money but i dont care if we win or lose attitude has got to go. And we got rid of the cancer. The amazing part of this trade to me is that neither the lakers or the magic wanted too many dala but somehow we ended up with the second best center in the nba. Maybe Quixote had something going with that conspiracy theory about david stern.— Zeru- I Believe we already have the pieces in place. We should see how this season plays out before we start looking to add additional players. All of philly thinks DC is a good coach. Some, think he's great, but, i think we all have confidence in Collins. Well...... This is Collins' most talented roster since being here. He now has all he has asked for. Dominating force in the middle ( Bynum ) floor spacers ( J. Rich, N. Young, D. Wright ) Penetrators ( Holiday, Turner, T. Young ) bangers ( K. Brown, L. Allen ) and lenght. I think the defensive mindset of the sixers will be more intense now because if you overplay and get beat, you have Bynum will be back there backing you up. So, let's see how this goes. Maybe, those extra pieces might already be in place— kerryt
- Like that trade Bears. Off the cuff, I was thinking about Deng who is seemingly always available. Terrific perimeter defense, can score and put in on the deck for at least 2 hard dribbles. I think he 2 years at $14m? This is what I meant by guys the brass would never entertain unless they believed AB was going to be here. Would the Bulls entertain a Deng & Gibson for Hawes & Thad later this year? We effectively replace Iggy with Deng and add another prime time strech, block, pick and roll defender in Gibson...— Independent_1
- Gibson's a guy I think the Sixers had (have?) targeted as a RFA next Summer, although I'm thinking now they're hoping for Moultrie to be that guy at the 4...DC has so many combinations, that I'm sure his ego will have him thinking he has enough to make hay, but I still pine for White, who I think is a really unique player,creating a mismatch at either the 3..or the 4...could give the Sixers that extra ballhandler they now have lost (depthwise),and is freakish physical...His being somewhat challenged as a perimeter shooter would not be such an issue with the plethora of 3pt bombing options DC can put on the floor(Royce White would THRIVE on a spaced out floor)...Regarding the Bulls, I think they're on egg shells over Rose, Teague looked lost in the Rookie League (I like him though), and they have to shave payroll. — bearsfriend
- @bearsfriend: wasn't there live, but streamed it from sixers.com while eating lunch. Missanelli indeed got booed, then asked a typically inane Missanelli questions...paraphrasing "you weren't the main guy in LA, so you didn't have any pressure on you to perform. How are you gonna deal with the pressure?" To which Bynum gave a classic answer: "Pressure makes diamonds!" Didn't hear from Mikey Miss for the rest of the PC!
- Yes, I heard that as they played it over on 97.5...Missinelli played it off as a sign of "respect" (like he was a wiseguy)...He often makes me laugh, but he framed that question sort of creepy, like you say...Agree that AB came off POLISHED with that retort...Just a great start for the guy. — bearsfriend
- I was thinking that maybe his first number choice is 33 and he obviously couldn't have had that in LA.— hillbillybirdsfan
- independent_1:thanks...yes,you could see the look of a guy who was having a huge "birthday party/return from war/accepting an Oscar" look all at the same time, probably MUCH different than being in laid back Lakerland....When he said he was feeling real close to wanting to re-sign "right now", to the backround of raucous cheers, I though he was having a victory speech after an election...Just awesome. Wonder if ESPN and NBA TV will pick that scene up....Not your average August 15th!...Agree on the potential of tinkering with the insight that AB is here...Hoping Omer Asik turns an ankle,leading to a Hawes/Royce White deal come mid to late December...Serious beef on the frontline, and another facilitator.— 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
- 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
- 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
- @kerryt It'a a homage to kareem or his high school number?— Darryl Cofield
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Who questioned Iverson's commitment to winning? Mitchell certainly didn't.— Rawkus
- 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 - @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
- Why number 33 ?— ej610
- 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 
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.- Dare say the homers all summers refers to adding a 6-9, 2-3 who can shoot the 3 and has averaged 16 ppg.; Nick Young, who has to show up and play in a short deal to keep his career alive (chemistry); being able to bring Kwame off the bench as a solid post defender/rebounder; saying goodbye to a 6-1 shooter who could shoot you in (sometimes) or out (more often than not) of games; drafting Harkless, the piece Thorn said was crucial to the Sixers being able to make the deal; keeping Lavoy in house; and acquiring Moultrie. Looks to me that, yes, they have been hitting homers all summer long. Go Sixers!!— Rawkus
- Supporting the over the top "homers all summer" line is simply delusional revisionism. All summer virtually every regular here said either they were waiting for another shoe to drop, or they were disappointed that all the team did was give themselves financial flexibility, or noted their lack of any good center, credible power forward and competent point guard. Keeping Lavoy Allen can best be described as a dribbler through the middle.
Home run? It was a shutout with inept situational hitting.
§
- Just to counter...Maybe I'd call it TBD'd "hits" that could add up to something...The Sixers DID jettison off on/off- court leadership, their most efficient offensive player(Lou),ace defensive player(AI).2of the top 7 assist to turnover players in the league...while awarding a couple of 2 year/$6 million deals to 2 guys that weren't heavily pursued by opposing teams...still have to get a true "buy in" from some of these short deal players not necessarily known for team play, as well as building chemistry with 8 new players in a sytem that appears to need changing with new personnel...The key in addition to finally having that "serious" big, is that now the Sixers will get a true gauge on Jrue and ET, which they'll need to do going into the future...Nothing wrong with stringing hits together, just WOULDN'T call the earlier moves "home runs". — bearsfriend
- passionate,intense,BIGGER.— bearsfriend
- No more "doofus" Iggy shots!— jim from WC
- Iron Giant said it best. Fans know this. Wasn't this excited for Iverson because I didn't think he was a team player. He wasn't.— theodotius
- Probably not a bad time to order season tickets. Looks like there will be entertainment again in Philly on Friday nights before heading to the Casino.— Dexter
- two combustible ingredients here...bynum and we philly fans (capable of love one second and hate another). we'll see when he sees the other side or says something stupid. nonetheless, great move by the sixers— sam.c
- nice job by sixers ownership— stayoutofphilly
- Best center since Moses to wear a Sixers uniform = best chance since Moses to win a title.— Iron Giant
- Andrew Bynum becoming a centerpiece for the Sixers to build around gets me so excited, there's no hiding that feeling...but someone, please tell me what the "hitting home runs all Summer" statement is supposed to mean...Anyone in attendance, please chime in with the atmosphere, and personal high and lowlights....Heard DC did NOT speak (guess that's just for the "reporters only" PC's),and heard that Mikey Miss got booed prior to asking Andrew a question...Anyway, Fall Camp can't get here quick enough. Go Sixers!— bearsfriend
- 100% agree on the home runs all summer bit. Mitchell has a bad habit of loving his drivel more than the actual facts. And of course, the more apt comparison about a new (key) player arriving by trade would be Moses Malone; but, of course, Mitchell would much rather get weak kneed over Iverson. Didn't we once have a good basketball writer in this town?
Thank you for reporting on the Hypocrite Missile's booing.
§
- He hasn't really experienced the Philly fans but alseast he knows that there is love and appreciation somewhere in the fan base. When he has a bad night and looks bad to some of those bandwagon fans, he'll get another look at things. But atleast he's been accepted and appears to want to be here.— nceagle
- why is he waiting till Sept 9th— rbrogna1
Keith Pompey has been an Inquirer reporter since September 2004. He takes over the Sixers beat after covering the Temple men’s basketball team for the past three years and Temple football the past two seasons. Pompey also previously covered the Penn and Drexel men’s basketball team and Villanova football team after initially focusing on high school sports.
Pompey is a native Philadelphian and a University of Pittsburgh. Follow him on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers or reach Keith at kpompey@phillynews.com.
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.
