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.
What I gfind somewhat troubling is when this trade was made, it was Dwight Howard who was expected to be out at least until mid-December recovery still from "back" surgery. However, Howard not only returns to action during the pre-season but returns looking as good as he looked prior to injurying his back. Meanwhile, here in Philly, we have Bynum who was perfectly fine physically at the close of the 2011-2012 season; but now can't make it back on the court at all. Seems quite "fishy" to me. You'd think that at age 24 he'd want to be on the floor playing, even if in some pain. How does he expect to reap a big contract extension while profiling on the pine!!! He had all summer to take care of this knee thing, why wait until camp to have this done?— daqueen123- It seems that the Bynum deal was too good to be true. Excuse me for being skeptical and saying that means it probably is. This has nothing to do with "curses" and Ruland. It has to do with buying a bad bill of goods. Unlike Ruland, where the team gave up Dougherty and ruined the franchise, we all knew this team wouldn't miss Igudala. And they don't.
But on the other hand don't tell me team is improved even if Bynum isn't back. Without Bynum, they're another 7 seed or say they improve to a 6 seed. They have no chance, none, of getting past Miami and they only got past Chicago because their two best players got hurt. How often does that happen?
So it's Bynum or bust. He's not on the court, yet. We'll see. - Let's try not to paint a negative picture of our newest star player already. From what I have read and heard, these type of injections are supposed to be done as close to the start of the season as possible because the beneficial affect is for a limited time - about six months. — Al3000
- I agree. And unlike the baseball team in town, this organization in a very short time has rebuilt a team with depth and capability, and with a salary cap, no less. I have admire the way the 76ers have gone about their business in preparing for this season, regardless of the eventual outcome.— Lpaul
- and by short time we mean decade — jame4213
- By short he means since the new ownership took over. Ed Snider couldn't care less about the Sixers.
By the way, who calls Andre Iguoldala a beloved ex-Sixer? Who loved him? - I agree that they shouldn't rush him back, but if he doesn't play for a few more weeks, I'm hoping that what they told us all along was a realistic projection. I know I'm cynical, but I would hate to think they were telling us Bynum would be back sooner in order to sell more tickets.— dblankj
- Yes daqueen is right. He should ignore his doctors and the team's trainers, who set his medical schedule. As Cris Carter would say: "Cmon man!"
Did you even read the article before commenting?
As many others have pointed out on here, the nba season is a marathon not a sprint. If he needs to sit out, I am fine with rotating Lavoy and Brown at center with Hawes getting minutes in a nontraditional C role.
Get your head out of your behind
— The2ndMostInterestingManInTheWorld - I am also fine with the team as it is constructed to start the season. I think DC is going to have enough headaches trying to figure out substitutions with all the components available to him. I think that fitting AB in after figuring out the rest of the lineup might actually make him glad for the delay.
— GHK - i agree with interestingman2. daqueen even mentions bynum is hurting his chances of getting a big payday. by not playing in the preseason? by not risking a more serious injury by coming back too soon?! bynum will practice and play when the he & the doctors/trainers say he's ready. and not 1 moment before. it's better for bynum and for the 6ers. period.— The Boston Strangler
- This overgrown child and his giant, creaky knees are already a bust in Philly. Trade Bynum ASAP, this is NOT going to end well.— brmorgen81
- Last I understood the very definition of a "bust", Bynum would have to actually play in a game to be considered a "bust". Last I remember he's won 2 chips. Won one of them playing the entire postseason practically on one leg. Averaged 19 12 and 2 last year. West All Star starting center. If this NEVER works out with Bynum, We rid ourselves of Brand and Iggy's contracts and will not have to pay Bynum the 20 mill max he'd got on the open market. I'd call that a "GOOD Deal" not a bust. But stupid is as stupid posts I guess. — Facts before ignorance
- I agree, no rush. Hawes came back last year prematurely and he was never the same, not that I am comparing the two. And I do hope that the Sixers have been honest, open and upfront on this.— tudorcity
- While it may seem that John Mitchell may be softening the blow if the curtain contains a clunker rather than the new car (this article made me think of "Let's make a deal...with doors 1,2 or 3)....he's right to not fret if AB is not ready to go after his yet again "pro-active approach" with his WD-40 shot (now I'm thinking of the Tin Man in Oz)....The interesting guy has it right, it is a marathon...not a sprint. This preseason has shown fans that there are some very decent pieces contributing to an identify of a quick strike bombardier offense that has played hard together...When the finishing centerpiece to this table finally gets cast, let's hope it's not rushed and contrived because a red carpet is waiting at the WFC on Opening Night...So door# 2 with LaVoy may battle JaVale McGee and door #3 may contain Spencer Hawes bangs with Kosta Koufos...not exhilarated, but not an old goats either...Eventually, Bynum WILL get right, and we WILL watch opponents cringing when the storm of alley oops comes a crashing.— bearsfriend
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.
