No need to rush Bynum back. In fact, it would be stupid.
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No need to rush Bynum back. In fact, it would be stupid.
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
When the mechanical curtain retracts some 30 feet above the 76ers’ practice court at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine on Wednesday, reporters, cameramen and other interested news gathers will hustle like Pavlovian dogs to the window for a glimpse of what the entire area has been dying to see.
Sixers center Andrew Bynum finally practicing with his mates.
The Sixers have targeted Wednesday, Oct. 24 as the day for Bynum to hit the floor and finally join the Sixers for a series of practices that hopefully leads to him being available for the team’s season-opener Oct. 31 against beloved ex-Sixer Andre Iguoudala and his Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center.
Bynum was scheduled for one more injection in his right knee on Oct. 22. From there, they wanted to give him 48 hours rest and then give it a go on Wednesday.
I’m excitedly looking forward to seeing Bynum in a Sixers uniform – who wouldn’t want to see what his insertion into the lineup does to a team that already looks better than last year’s team after a 6-1 preseason? – but I’m not going to be mad if he’s not out there when the curtain comes up.
I don’t see any reason to rush this. I’m not one of these people who ridiculously and without any logical reason connects the bad fortunes the Sixers had with Jeff Ruland more than a quarter of a century ago to what could happen with Bynum’s knees. I don’t believe in curses. Sorry.
However, knowing how vital Bynum’s health is to the future of this franchise, the last thing you want to do is put him out there and have him not be ready. Or, even worse, have some type of setback. That simply can’t be allowed to happen.
The Sixers have been honest, open and up front about this whole process. And I, like everyone else, hope he’s ready to go on Wednesday. However, I’m not holding them to it. If he isn’t ready, put him back on the shelf until he is. There’s way too much at stake here.
Comments (64)
I swear Mitchell cuts & pastes his stuff from the philly.com comment section.— mtairy1
chuck - The "national media" also said the sixers would be swept by a Rose-less Bulls team, then it was "they'll be swept by the Celtics". They often don't know what's going on in Philly because most of them don't pay attention to our teams or our players especially where the 76ers are concerned...
I don't care one way or the other. If Bynum has to rest and heal to be 100% he needs to take as much time as is needed. Big men like him often miss a few dozen games in a season anyway. I'd rather it be early on so he can be playing and healthy when it matters most - playoff time. The NBA season is a marathon. With bigs like Bynum you have to pace them even when they're healthy. People need to stop panicking about this. This isn't Greg Oden here. Nowhere near that close or Jeff Ruland...— joecooler2u- joe: nice try, BUT the national media was forecasting a forthcoming series, while the reports we have heard recently stated they came from Sixer sources about an injured player. Sorry, but a major difference. As for Jeff Ruland, I don't think anybody has mentioned his name for quite some time, so again nice try. The concern from this end is this: the Sixers have one season to learn about whether Bynum can 1. actually play another season of 65+ games and 2. if so, can fit in easily with his new teammates and with Doug Collins and become the Man. Charles Barkley, although annoying at times, pegged it right where Bynum and the Sixers are concerned. There is a great deal at stake for this franchise in terms of moving forward with a major long-term signing of Bynum, and having him for a week of practice would certainly help as DC doubtless knows. — chuckw
@daqueen123- There's only two things fishy. ONE OF 'EM IS FISH- This is stating the obvious, but regarding the Dwight Howard injury comparison, unlike the Lakers, the Sixers don't have any realistic championship aspirations this year. I live in L.A. and there are such high expectations for the Lakers that anything short of a championship appearance is unacceptable. Dwight Howard better damn well play! The Sixers are smart in not rushing Bynum back. Bynum is smart for not rushing back. As a fan, I want to see the best Bynum out there so that it can be determined whether he fits in, can stay healthy and has a future with this team. And that is in Bynum's best interest as well. I was around for Jeff Ruland so lets not even go there. GO SIXERS! Can't wait for the season to start!— esesjay
- The way the Sixers are playing, you almost don't want to spoil a good thing. But, once they adapt to Bynum in the middle, they should be even better. Could they have captured lightning in a bottle? Is this the advent of the "perfect storm?" This group just seems to come up with whatever they need to win. Need a three? Five guys are ready to deliver it. Need speed? Wayns is greased lightning. Need defense? Oops! There's the rub. Maybe that will be Bynum's contribution---to stiffen up the back line. Regardless, this is a season I believe us fans can really enjoy.— gotedge
- I will take Bynum any time he gets here. I put up with the team for the last 10 years. I can wait till January for Bynum.— justacarpenter
- We're the only ones who know our team is loaded and ready for a serious run, with AB or not. Granted once he gets going I see no reason for good season. Knicks, Celtic, Nets, uhh, I am no expert on them, but I don't see them being better than us. They may have gotten a preview in exb games that coming to Philly means bring your A game baby. Go 76ers— RicardoZ
- Sorry for the negativity and being the nervous nellie in the room, but as a Phillies season ticket holder, I have seen Chase Utley miss 148 games in the last two seasons with a congenital knee disorder and watched as his power faded late each season because he could not use his lower body properly, so I do not believe modern medical advancements can cure everything, particularly where elite athletes are concerned. I hope Bynum can give the Sixers what he gave the Lakers last season and that his knee problems are not at the bone on bone stage. This can be an elite team which excites many of us, but make no mistake, Bynum is the key.— chuckw
- I totally buy into your "ticket selling" theory from yesterday on why the brass might be mum, especially in light of the majestic PC at the Constitution Center proving "true luv" from the fanbase...adding the fact that Marc Zumoff was in pure "sell mode" Sunday coming off the Fratello hints of two nights earlier...But where does one get Thanksgiving from? Isn't the WD-40 shot from yesterday come with a 48 hour rest period?...Does Fratello get info from David Lee (agent)? Maybe that the Sixers have a soft 12 games to start the season (7 at home,8 against lottery teams)?...Does AB feel overly comfortable knowing there's a red carpet in every halway he walks in the WFC or PCOM ?Contrary to Mini Mart,Fontenot,Galvis,Orr,and Wiggington taking turns for Chase, the Sixers have quality coverage in Bynum's absence, with a versatility in style of play to quell the fans yearnings for AB on Day 1, and we should all rather have a healthy,thriving Bynum come plyoff time over a worn down nag in the Playoffs...Not to discount AB's role down the line, but if the Sixers can hit 40% of their 3's in volume, their going to be pretty good even with "serviceable". To me, he's the finishing touch, a huge cherry on top...Hoping the Sixers get a true read on him cause he's healthy...Last, follow up to Fratello's comments in the form of reporter questioning him I believe should have taken place, correct?...Get happy chuck! How bout Hunter Pence, ball hitting his bat 3 times!..That goofy kid should still be in RF...notice there tommy Joseph articles to deflect! — bearsfriend
- Bear: not only Fratello, but if I remember correctly, your new colleague in New Hampshire heard the Celtics broadcast and said that Tom Heinsohn and his fellow announcer both heard from Sixer sources that Bynum was not really expected back until late November. As for the WD-40 treatment, Glen Macnow yesterday said he had it himself on two occasions, that it worked well the first time, not at all the second time. Good to see the Tommy Joseph piece; hope we see more from the Arizona Fall League. I don't miss Pence. Amaro, however, needs to stay away from the Yankees, looking to unload A-Rod and Granderson and not interested in re-signing Swisher (the hotties at CBP would be worth watching with A-Rod and Swisher here, however). I will try to calm myself over Bynum. Anybody hear anything about Kwame Brown's knee injury? — chuckw
- LOL, but I think Gopherkidd's locale is comparable to us here in Philly and someone in the Poconos...Upset you've gone back talk radio, but I'm thinking you were stuck in the car. (Only reason to listen to Macnow is if he's caddying for R Diddy on Saturday mornings)...I do miss Pence, despite the unorthodox mannerisms, he played hard and would have been great as a 5 hitter. I thought Kwame had back spasms...BTW- did you see Kyle Simon's ERA after his first appearance in the AFL? — bearsfriend
- Bear: yes, I was in the car and switch back and forth between 660 (WFAN), 950 (ESPN), and 610 (WIP), getting mainly advertisements, but generally cannot stand Macnow and Gargano, but knowing Macnow has had knee replacements, someone asked him about the treatment. I think Kwame Brown has a knee injury. As for Kyle Simon, a mere 8 runs in one/third of an inning in his first outing, since then he has pitched three innings with one run and three innings of shutout ball. Like Kyle Kendrick, when his sinker does not sink, he is toast. — chuckw
- Even Malik Rose said earlier in pre season that he didn't expect Bynum back for the start of the season while trying to quell the over exuberance of Zumoff who was touting the return of Bynum for the opener. I am not sure if this is a conspiracy, but it was clear to anyone who has played the game or been around the game that your weren't going to rush a player back off two knee procedures for the start of the season. In regards to Fratello's comments, I reached out to someone else who covers the Sixers and they said that Fratello said that he hadn't received any information from the team regarding his health. This writer seem to think that it was just the assumption of people around the league seeing what he had gone through that he wouldn't be back for a while. Looks like the Sixers are sending the beat writers out to quell the fans nerves. I am fine with them taking their time with his return as we need him healthy for the playoffs, but you have to start to question on what the real story is. — Mattb
- Bynum's treatment right now - getting the WD40 to make sure his knee ligaments and miniscus interact properly - is something that modern medical science can take care of. Utley's knee problem, to my understanding, is that the femur is grinding directly on the tibia and fibula. Not exactly the same.— The2ndMostInterestingManInTheWorld
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About this blog
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.
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