Bynum’s back
RAFFY LEDESMA
Former All-Star and two-time champion center Andrew Bynum is reportedly trying to make a comeback in the NBA. Over the past few days, his “workout” videos have been popping up all over social media. He has been working out in the Los Angeles Lakers’ training facility and is scheduling workouts with other teams.
Drafted 10th overall in the 2005 draft, the 7-footer spent most of his career with the Lakers where he won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. He was named an All-Star in 2012. During that career year, Bynum averaged 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and nearly two blocks a game. He was then traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he missed the entire 2012-2013 season due to knee problems. He played for Cleveland and Indiana the next season before finally calling it quits in 2014 due to chronic injuries and character concerns.
At age 30 and five years removed from his last meaningful NBA experience, it will be a long shot if Bynum can still make a comeback. For starters, he is injury-prone, playing 82 games only once in his entire nine-year career. Bynum is also a prototypical center who backs down and can score with an array of post moves. He is also a monster on the boards and is a good rim protector but a lot has changed since he left.
Nowadays, traditional big men that used to dominate and win championships (e.g. Shaquille O’ Neal, Tim Duncan, etc.) are becoming extinct. Teams across the league are playing small ball line-ups usually with an undersized center or forward. Everyone is also expected to shoot from deep while being mobile enough to switch on pick and rolls. This is why the league is putting a premium on 3 and D players these days. This is why Bynum may have a hard time finding a new team. Even if he signs a short-term contract, Bynum will probably be a bench player.
Still, hope springs eternal and many teams will definitely take a look at Bynum since technically, he is at his physical peak. Already there are rumors that his former team may take him in, since there is always a need for a big-bodied rim protector as a last line of defense. Other teams who lack depth up front may also take a chance on Bynum. He has a very low risk (e.g. short-term contract) and high reward if he gets back in playing shape. Coming off the bench and playing limited minutes may be also good for him since he can avoid more injuries.
Personally, I am rooting for Bynum’s return since I love a good comeback story. Bynum when healthy can also be a good addition to a playoff bound team.
raffyrledesma@yahoo.com
The post Bynum’s back appeared first on The Manila Times Online.