Bynum remains cautiously optimistic

Andrew Bynum continues to report progress with his injured knees and still is eyeing a return after the all-star break, but the 76ers center can't say with certainty if that will occur.

Monday was another step in the right direction, according to Bynum. He took part in his first shootaround in the morning.

"This is the first time this season I have been at the shootaround and I have been involved a little in practice just shooting around with the guys," Bynun said before Monday's game with the San Antonio Spurs. "My knees feel good and I am not in any pain and it's all good and I want to keep going."

The first game after the all-star break is Feb. 20 at Minnesota.

"That is my goal," he said.

The only running he has done has been on a treadmill so Bynum was quick to give caution.

"I still haven't done lateral movement and that will be the biggest test," Bynum said. "Cutting is the last thing to do and I think I am building up to that slowly but surely."

Bynum says he has been able to work on post moves, along with catching and shooting the ball, but the main test will be lateral movement.

He says the lateral movement that will have to happen in the next few weeks if he wants to return after the all-star break.

"It is going to be defensive slides, cutting, running full speed, stopping, back peddling, jumping, explosive stuff," he said.

Bynum will wait until the doctors tell him when he can make his next step.

"I want it to go smoothly," he said. I don't want setbacks."