Andrew Bynum reports progress in injury rehab
The latest 76ers news from Philly.com.
Andrew Bynum reports progress in injury rehab
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
Sixers center Andrew Bynum seemed more optimistic today about his ailing knees than at any other time since it was first announced by the 76ers that he would not participate with the team during training camp.
Here are some of the things he said following practice today regarding the state of his knees:
“It’s definitely moving in a positive direction,” Bynum, who has been out with bone bruises and swelling cartilage, said. “I’m feeling better every day. I’m back to the weights and on the treadmill and I should be running here soon.”
That’s key – that he says he ‘should be running soon. That’s really what this is all about, Bynum getting on the floor. Not riding treadmills or swimming. The next crucial step is getting him on the floor, experiencing impact and playing basketball.
Bynum said of number of positive things. He said that his doctor, David Altchek, told him that ‘whatever is going on with the cartilage is going to wind itself up and I should be back at it pretty soon.’
That might be the most important thing. The swelling is gone in both knees and the cartilage, which was introduced as part of the whole equation right around the time that he injured the left knee bowling, is not bothering him.
Bynum said his right knee is not an issue at all. And he described his left knee as feeling ‘much, much better.’
He didn’t give a timeline. However, both he and the Sixers have backed away from timelines. Remember, we are quickly approaching the middle of Jan. If you recall, this is when both Bynum and the Sixers said – the last time they gave a timeline – that they expected him to return to the floor.
What we also know about Bynum is that the inactivity has him feeling rested. He said that his body feels fresh (as well it should), sort of the way he feels during the summer following a season when his body has recuperated from the rigors of the season.
“I feel the way I feel when the summer comes and my legs are fresh. I feel like that right now,” said Bynum.
He remains leery of a possible setback, nonetheless. Here’s what he said about that:
“It’s possible but right now the doctor has said that it will resolve itself. It’s going to be either 100 percent fine or your knee will swell up and give us signals that there is a problem. But as of right now my knee is fine and I think we are out of the woods with that.”
- Buying into what, Cole? We all knew this guy was a bit of a knucklehead. Are we to be surprised that he is putting his financial position in front of his new team's needs? He knows he has bad knees to manage. He wants to do so while making the most $$$ possible. The naysayers have been comparing him to Ruland - and suggesting he'd never play for the Sixers. It looks like he will play, this year - and give us a chance to decide whether we want to keep him beyond this year. That is all we wanted. Hopefully, once he gets his deal, he will manage his pain, play his best, and help his team win -- like he did in L.A.
— Copper34 - Cole: This is how cults work. Just when you think all is lost the savior Bynum will rise from the ashes and lead our team to the promise land. Let the church say amen.
- A string of posts following an article about Andrew Bynum and no mention of Jeff Rul...Damn, Copper34. You just spoiled it. Get a forward who can rebound to team with Bynum -- come home, Reggie Evans -- and this team could make noise in the playoffs.— iceman
- "That’s key – that he says he ‘should be running soon. That’s really what this is all about, Bynum getting on the floor. Not riding treadmills or swimming."
Last time I checked you run on treadmills. If Bynum truly is "riding treadmills" chances of injury are inevitable - but really though, the key quote is: "It’s going to be either 100 percent fine or your knee will swell up and give us signals that there is a problem."
Sorry to sprinkle some reality in here, but even Bynum admits his missing knee cartilage isn't going to suddenly grow back. My money is on he ramps up long enough to pique interest and the knees flare back up right around the time his jerseys start to sell - I'll be glad when this nightmare goes away! I DON'T CARE ANYMORE!!! Please Bynum, just go away so we can really start to focus on rebuilding.— ctruitt
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.
