Andrew Bynum's season as a Philadelphia 76er could be over before it ever really began. Having yet to play a game for the team, Bynum is now possibly taking himself out for the entire season. Bynum has spent much of the season recovering from knee injuries had hoped to rejoin the team after the All-Star break. He was unable to get back in time back had some hope of still returning. Now, after suffering another setback in his rehabbing, Bynum is now considering season-ending knee surgery.
Bynum took part in practice with the team, participating in five-on-zero drills. It was the first time he had been able to be involved in any practice since he was traded to the 76ers last summer before the 2012 season began. However, after practice Bynum had swelling and pain in his right knee.
He had believed that rest and rehab would heal the bone bruises in both of his knees. Just 10 days ago, he had declared himself just about ready to get back into playing this season. Now, it looks like things may be over for him.
"It's getting late. I don't know about playing this season. I don't want to play in pain...I'm 25, it's my life," Bynum said.
Bynum and team doctors are now considering arthroscopic surgery on his right knee that would definitely take Bynum out for the remainder of the season. The 76ers are currently on a seven-game losing streak and are sitting six games back from the last spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
After Bynum participated in practice last week, there was some optimism that he would be able to return at some point. Head coach Doug Collins truly believed it was just a conditioning issue at this point that was holding Bynum back.
"I know it's tough, he wants to play. We traded for him to come in here and play, and he hasn't been able to and that's hard. Hard on him and hard on everyone, and so I feel badly," Collins said.
Bynum has had multiple procedures on his knees in an effort to strengthen them. He underwent a surgery in Germany in September where it was discovered he had a bone bruise in his right knee. A similar bruise was discovered in his left knee during a bowling outing.
Bynum played 72 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season before he was traded to Philadelphia in a blockbuster deal in August. He is currently earning $16.9 million and is set to become a free agent in July. If Bynum is unable to get healthy and back in basketball condition, it is assumed the 76ers will be forced to let him go.
"I think being healthy is more important than everything else. If I am healthy, I'll get a deal. I have to be able to play and I need to get to the point with my body where I'm able to play, however long that takes," Bynum said.
