When the 76ers acquired Andrew Bynum from the Los Angeles Lakers, the team and its fans showed unreal support for the center and treated him like a rock star as they expected big things – in a franchise altering way. What they probably did not expect or anticipate, however, was the possible acquisition of damaged goods.
This is not to say that Bynum is significantly injured, but he has already missed the entire preseason due to pain in his knee and could miss the season opener as well. The treatment he received in Germany over the summer was supposed to make him good and ready to go, but we have yet to see any reason to feel optimistic. This could all end up being just a small blip along the way for Bynum and his new career as the No. 1 option of any team – and that’s what we all hope for – but this much is clear at the moment: his knee situation is one worth holding your breath for if you are a 76ers fan.
Before we move onto Wednesday’s news, be sure to check out Mark Heisler’s Preseason Power Rankings and the details on the change in NBA All-Star ballot by Chris Bernucca. Without further ado:
Andrew Bynum will be shut down until he no longer feels pain in his knee, according to Marc Narducci of Philly.com: “Andrew Bynum, who was expected to practice for the first time with the 76ers on Wednesday, did not take part in today’s workout at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Bynum sat out with right knee discomfort. “Andrew is out until he is pain-free,” 76ers general manager Tony DiLeo said after today’s practice. Bynum said the key is not to come back too soon and have an even greater setback. “I think it’s good to be cautious and not to upset the knee and let it fully heal than trying to get out too soon,” Bynun said. Bynum said he doesn’t have pain when he walks, but does when he does strenuous activity. Nobody would say if he would be able to play in the Sixers opener, Oct. 31 at the Wells Fargo Center against the Denver Nuggets. Yet if he’s still having pain and needs rest, it would be very surprising if Bynum is in the opening night lineup.”
- Zach Lowe of Grantland breaks down the adverse effects of missing Bynum for any period of time. Jrue Holiday, in particular, may struggle without the center’s presence: