The Philadelphia 76ers thought Andrew Bynum was going to be their franchise center for years to come.
While that still may be the case, the prized offseason acquisition hasn't even been in the future for the the team this year. He has rode the bench for the entire season, as he looks on from one of the best seats all year long.
They only have 8 weeks in their season with 31 games overall left. And Bynum said on Tuesday that he is 1-2 weeks away from taking part in full practices.
He will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. And the less time he gets back towards the end of the season, it gives the 76ers management less time to grade him to potentially offer him a new deal in the summer.
“I am focused on getting back and getting right, as opposed to being in a rush,” Bynum said. “As I have said before, it doesn’t matter to me. I will play anywhere. I just need to be healthy.”
“He will be able to manage the pain as long as he doesn’t get swelling,” Sixers head coach Doug Collins said. “The swelling is what incapacitates you because your joint gets stiff and you can’t move, so if he can keep the swelling out he will be able to manage."
The 76ers thought he would be healthy and thought he would dominate this season. Plus, the team gave up Andre Iguodala, Nik Vucevic, Moe Harkless, and a future first round pick for his services.
The future is very bright for those that were traded in the deal to acquire Bynum. And the 76ers are hoping that the return will be bright for Bynum in a 76ers jersey, as well.
He has to get healthy for his future to be bright.
“I want to be healthy,” Bynum said. ”I know what I can do. The question is, is my knee going to hold up? That’s something the organization has to think about. All I have to do is think about going out there and putting up buckets.”
The 76ers future depends on Bynum. And if he would leave after not playing a game with the team, it would severely damage the team long-term.
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