Skip to content
Sixers
Link copied to clipboard

Sixers CEO apologizes for Bynum debacle

Sixers CEO Scott O’Neil apologized Thursday morning to fans who purchased tickets with the hope of seeing Bynum play.

It's no secret that the 76ers' Andrew Bynum experiment was a disaster.

The acquisition of the 7-foot center in last summer's four-team trade ultimately set the Sixers back several seasons. Bynum, who made $16.9 million last season, never played for the team due to chronically injured knees.

After being urged by 94 WIP-FM personality Angelo Cataldi, new Sixers chief executive officer Scott O'Neil apologized Thursday morning to fans who purchased tickets with the hope of seeing Bynum play.

"I apologize on behalf of the Sixers to any fan who invested and thought Bynum was going to be their guy and be the savior," said O'Neil, while being a guest on Cataldi's radio show. "At the end of the day that's our apology to every fan – not just to you [he told Cataldi].

"However, we are going to take some chances when we can take some chances. And sometimes, they're not going to work. And sometimes, they are.  When they don't work, we are not going to ever talk about a player negatively. That's not going to help us or  the franchise or the fans. That's not going to help us recruit. It doesn't help us go out and grab free agents. It doesn't help us when we are evaluating talent. It doesn't help us when we are talking to coaches. It just doesn't help."

Bynum came to Philadelphia after being a former NBA all-star with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last week. However, only $6 million of the deal is guaranteed. The Cavs also have a team option for the second season.

Contact Inquirer Sixers beat writer Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers