Earlier today the Cleveland Cavaliers announced they have suspended center Andrew Bynum indefinitely for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
During the offseason much attention was directed to where Bynum would end up signing after spending the previous year rehabbing an injury with the Philadelphia 76ers. Several teams were rumored as a possible landing spot, however, he ultimately picked Cleveland in the latter part of the summer.
Minutes after the Cavaliers made its announcement, rumors quickly began to spread about why he was suspended.
Yahoo Sports columnist Adrian Wojnarowski revealed the reason behind the suspension. He said Bynum has lost interest in basketball and even went further to say that he’s never enjoyed playing it at all.
In these situations most players tend to keep quiet to avoid any negative attention. In this case, they did keep quiet. The only player to speak about the news was Utah Jazz forward Brandon Rush and he was more confused than anything.
What Bynum do?
— Brandon Rush (@BRush_25) December 28, 2013
Former NBA’er Kenny Anderson, who spent over a decade in the league, spoke about the Bynum situation.
Some players don’t love the game of basketball,they love the lifestyle the NBA gives them!
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) December 28, 2013
Bynum got that money and now he is acting up!
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) December 28, 2013
I did 11 years strong years in the league,then I stop loving the game
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) December 28, 2013
Where will this go from here? Who knows.
There’s been reports the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat would be possible suitors for him. The problem (and it’s a rather large one) is that he doesn’t like basketball.
The Cavs are reportedly trying to trade Bynum, but so far its been unsuccessful. If that fails, it’s likely he’ll be released before Jan. 7, that way Cleveland will save $6 million with his non-guaranteed contract.
Retirement may be his final decision. News spread this evening that he’s been contemplating it for several weeks now. And at this point, with the entire league knowing about his mental approach to the game, who’s really eager to sign him?
It’s too bad, the natural ability he has isn’t being used to the fullest. Millions of people would do anything to live the life that he does. And many young basketball players practise each day but will never be as talented.
All of you with Bynum on your fantasy team, it’s not looking good.
This is an unfortunate situation, but ultimately it’s Bynum’s decision to make.
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Brett Poirier is a contributor to Sheridan Hoops. Follow @BrettNBA