[3] He spent summers visiting his father in North Carolina. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09. 1 for No. Void in ONT. Andrew Bynum would be the same age as Al Horford right now (35), who is coming off the best playoff run of his career. During the Lakers' run to the 2010 championship, Bynum played every one of the Lakers' 23 playoff games with a torn meniscus in his right knee. Even though Bryant had all but given up on Bynum in the summer of 2007, when he told a fan toting a camera in a grocery store parking lot that the Lakers should "ship his a-- out" to acquire Jason Kidd, he has come around. If a potential Prize winner forfeits or does not claim a prize, the prize will be re-awarded. On Christmas Day against the Phoenix Suns, he made 11-of-13 shots for 28 points to complement 12 boards, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Bynum struggled his rookie season, appearing in just 46 games, averaging 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in a little more than seven minutes per night. I don't know when I'll be back. You must have a YouTube account/email to enter. It's hard to blame him if his heart wasn't 100 percent in it. [22] During the season, the New Jersey Nets were interested in acquiring Bynum for Jason Kidd. He finished with 17 minutes, 1-of-5 from the field, seven points, four rebounds and two blocks. On January 26, 2007, he had a career-high seven blocks and a season-high 16 rebounds against the Charlotte Bobcats. .m-sbnation-2014-nfl-playoff-coverage img { [32] In May, rumors about his return were put to rest when Bynum underwent arthroscopic surgery on his kneecap. Andrew Bynum, Kobe Bryant and what never couldbe, The entire NFL screwed up by letting the Eagles win the draft so easily. There teams REALLY helped themselves over the weekend and could surprise. It wasn't the easiest thing for a 19-year-old flung into premature adulthood to hear. "When I see the doctor, hopefully I will be cleared for impact.". width: 100%; PHILADELPHIA -- Andrew Bynum played seven seasons with Kobe Bryant as his teammate before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers this summer. That Bynum's attempt to resuscitate an injury-savaged career didn't pan out hardly registers as a shock. He was benched for it. intricately detailed in Lee Jenkins' 2011 profile in Sports Illustrated, obviously disinterested Bynum jacking up wild shots at practice. (Photo by AP) In order for one player to become one of the NBA's all-time greats, those around him. My 4 favorite team hauls from the 2023 NFL Draft, 5 rebuilding teams that nailed the 2023 NFL Draft. [76][77] Bynum finished the regular season with career highs in minutes per game (tied NBA 24th overall), rebounds per game (NBA 3rd overall), and points per game (NBA 20th overall). On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). Lets just all be aware of the flip side, though. Heres our first projection of the 2024 NFL Draft class. I think he was testing the limits of his game, Bryant said. Bryant and Bynum have grown closer this season, particularly through traveling together via private jet to and from the All-Star Game in Orlando. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls in January 2014 and immediately waived to clear salary-cap space. Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and scorers of all time, Bryant won five NBA championships, was an 18-time All . display: block; As impenetrable as Bryants force field of ambition appeared back then, he did feel the lack of faith and does remember the slights. "I feel light-years better than back [in Game 7 of 2010 NBA Finals]", he said. Im sure Drew wont take many of them.. He did not trash Bynum at all, just simply stated they should have sent him out because "This is Jason Kidd were talking about." It was hoop talk, not trash talk. He never liked it that much in first place. Bynum said he has "no regrets" about the path that led him out of L.A. The Cavaliers deemed him such a nuisance to the operation that they're paying him to stay home until they can either trade him or waive him before Jan. 7 to avoid paying the second half of his $12 million salary. On March 20, Bynum was suspended for two games by the NBA for a flagrant foul on Michael Beasley of the Minnesota Timberwolves. "I think he was testing the l Bryant didnt draw any comparison between those shots and Bynum needing to try 3-pointers, but it was implied from something else Bryant said about Bynums game. [27] The Lakers would exercise a fourth-year contract option on Bynum.[28]. That's essentially been the chief narrative surrounding Bynum the last two seasons. Bynum said he would make the same decision again to delay the surgery until after his vacation, even with the knowledge that it would cost him a portion of the upcoming regular season. The Hook: Kobe, Bynum and the death throes of LA's mini-dynasty Prada: Streaking Golden State Warriors blending old with new Dennis Rodman's North Korea dream team roster is spectacular The Los Angeles Lakers traded away Andrew Bynum to the Philadelphia 76ers, saying goodbye to the center that they molded into one of the best in the NBA. I wrote about the Lakers' odd future after Game 3 of that fateful series, about how Bynum was the Kobe to Kobe's Shaq, how Bynum had the fortune of youth on his side and that would eventually lord over Kobe or die tryin'. 2, I think they're going to have to post the ball within a system that's going to do that," he said. OAKLAND I asked Kobe Bryant what he thought about Andrew Bynum launching that 3-pointer that got Bynum benched by Lakers coach Mike Brown on Tuesday night. [49], A longer than expected recovery period was needed for Bynum's surgery that caused him to miss the beginning of the 201011 NBA season. Trevor Ariza makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kobe Bryant assists) Andrew Bynum makes free throw 1 of 2; Andrew Bynum misses free throw 2 of 2; Kobe Bryant misses 27-foot three point jumper; Teammate Pau Gasol called Bynum's "tenacity remarkable. [13][14] During the game, he missed his two field goal attempts but had two rebounds and two blocks. He enjoyed fishing, singing, playing his bass guitar . As his play improved, teams began to explore acquiring Bynum in a trade. Although Bynum averaged just 19 minutes against the Magic and their center Dwight Howard, the Lakers won the championship. Howard immediately and thoroughly clashed with Kobe, more than Bynum ever had, and left of his own volition, giving up money to avoid playing with Bryant again. Bynum, who missed the entire 2012-13 season with a knee injury after being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, signed a partially-guaranteed, one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers the following summer. [46] It was the third consecutive season his knee injuries impacted the Lakers postseason. Bynum could still not pinpoint the exact stress that caused his knees to become hurt in the offseason, noting that whatever happened came during his regular offseason training regimen. This was so controversial when it came out because it was the same summer when Kobe had demanded a trade. I made one (with 1.2 seconds left in the last game, a loss to Memphis), and I wanted to make another one. F------ ship his ass out. [40], Bynum missed the next 32 games. The Basketball Gods, though, or whatever governs basketball (il)logic, had other ideas. At least Dwight was on the court most of the season. A Lakers team without Bynum certainly could have been more vulnerable. A sweatshirt hanging in his locker Tuesday was made by Gucci. Brother Aaron Anthony Bynum age 46, of Coshocton, Ohio passed away on December 17, 2020 at his residence. "Are you kidding me? So nobody wants to be a chump.". 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Sometimes, often even, Bryant can't help but apply his high standards for himself when it comes to basketball to his teammates. But not even that humble possibility came to fruition, as the mercurial big man sabotaged his tenure with the Cavaliers by exhibiting scant effort on the floor, culminating in one of the most infamous practice performances in league history. "It doesn't really matter to me where I play as long as I get to," Bynum said. Gambling Problem? A former Lakers player revealed that Jim Buss wanted to trade Kobe Bryant and make Andrew Bynum the leader of the team. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). }. He nodded because Shaquille ONeal never nodded in understanding and certainly not appreciation when the young Kobe was trying to turn his game up and indirectly win more championships. [107], On February 1, 2014, Bynum signed with the Indiana Pacers for the remainder of the season. I swear, thats it. What's really difficult is feigning enjoyment out of something that causes your entire body to ache. Bynum had been a McDonalds All-American his senior year at St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey, averaging 22.4 points, 16.8 rebounds, and 5.3 blocks per game. [110], On March 11, 2014, Bynum made his Pacers debut with 8 points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes in a 9483 win over the Boston Celtics. [94] Since training camp, Bynum had been firm that he would make his debut for Philadelphia, and had targeted the All-Star break for his return. Along with taking the jab at Kobe for possibly holding him back over the years, Bynum also sent a message to Dwight Howard claiming that the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will also. The only pot shot Bryant took was over Bynum's combed-down afro coif, saying, "I don't know what he's doing with that perm, but I guess he's a trendsetter.". Theyre not used to dealing with players of Drews ambition, Im sure, at this stage of his career. He even played in the NBA Finals after re-aggravating it. After they selected him in the first round of the 2005 NBA draft with the 10th overall pick, the 7-foot-0-inch (2.13m) center won two NBA championships with the team in 2009 and 2010. Howard immediately and thoroughly clashed with Kobe, more than Bynum ever had, and left of his own volition, giving. Now, 33 years old and in his 16th season, he is gauging the 24-year-old Andrew Bynum's preparedness to be that same torchbearer for excellence as the center embarks on the seventh season of a . The Lakers went to the NBA Finals that season but lost to the Boston Celtics. Bryant hinted that Brown overreacted by immediately walking down the bench and pointing at Josh McRoberts to replace Bynum then benching Bynum again early in the fourth quarter when he kept dominating the offense to little avail. Bynum did not join his teammates in huddles during multiple timeouts in the fourth quarter, instead sitting by himself toward the end of the bench. [66] In his first game of the season after serving his suspension, Bynum scored 29 points on 13 for 18 shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds, leading the Lakers to a 9289 victory over the Denver Nuggets. But by the time he was 21, Bynum was widely considered the best center in basketball this side ofDwight Howard. I understand where hes coming from. At age 17years, 244days, Bynum was 12 days younger than Jermaine O'Neal, the previous youngest player drafted by an NBA team. [33] He missed 46 games due to the injury,[34] and finished the season with averages of 13.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks and a .636 field goal percentage. This was the second straight year that Bynum had suffered a knee injury against the Grizzlies. "Obviously I've been off for quite some time now. To me, everybody kind of frowned when he was shooting that turnaround jumper in the post, Bryant said. [89][90], About a week before training camp, Bynum underwent Orthokine treatments on both of his knees to stimulate healing for his arthritis. A Lakers team without Bynum certainly could have been more vulnerable. [53] At the All-Star break, Jackson discussed with Bynum that his primary role should be to defend and reboundnot score. He hasn't missed a game all season after undergoing back surgery in the offseason. Of course, Howard is getting the chance to make those adjustments by being on the court. There is definitely some merit to Bynum's theory that playing alongside Kobe kept the ball out of his hands. He was born on June 6, 1974 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Deacon Aaron Bynum and Eldress Kathryn (White-Bynum) Pollard. He had originally intended to go to UConn but instead opted for the NBA. Prada's Pictures: The Knicks' sad, terrible defense. darkshark21. The Indiana Pacers also made a trade offer for Bynum. The Lakers did win this game barely despite Bynum playing only five minutes of the second half.And its imperative to note that Bryant needed to try those tough shots and miss at some time previously if he ever was to make them now. Bynum was injured upon liberty and never played a minute for Philadelphia. Bynum rarely, if ever, complains about his injuries even though his knees have been through so much at this point that he actually ices them before games once he goes through his pregame workout. And now people arent frowning anymore because hes making it. Indeed, he chose to put off surgery until after the season. [34] On April 9, 2009, he returned from injury in a home game against the Denver Nuggets. During the 2009 exit interviews, Kobe Bryant talks about Andrew Bynum's offseason, "sacrificing" to keep the team intact and his own contract situation. ", "They got to make a commitment to defense, No. Bynum said he was considering retirement even before this season started, but it would take one hell of a person to turn down $6 million for a few months of work. It was reminiscent of one of those Most Interesting Man in the World advertisements: "I don't always shoot 6-for-28 from the field, but when I do, I become the youngest player in league history to score 28,000 career points.". Still, Bynum's psyche was never the real part of him that had an adversarial relationship with the game. 1, streaking Warriors knocking on top 5, Los Angeles Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll, O'Donnell: Andrew Bynum's irreconcilable differences with basketball, The Hook: Sixers, Suns show off the new 1-year rebuild, Joe Johnson keeps killing teams at the buzzer. [25][26] He later helped the Lakers to back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, the high points of a career that ended sooner . He led the Lakers to a 31 week, leading the West in rebounding (14.8 rpg) and placed second in scoring (27.5) while shooting .665 from the field (fourth in the Conference). On February 2, 2009 it was revealed that Bynum had suffered a torn MCL in his right knee and would be out 812 weeks. Rather than complain about Bryant's shot total compared to his, Bynum put the onus on himself, saying that it's his responsibility to get in better shape and run the floor faster to earn more touches. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. And Bynum began to crumble, especially when the Lakers' clock hit midnight and they got swept out of the playoffs by the Mavericks. 12/30: Kings, Pelicans vindicate NBA rescues, 12/20: Rookie coaches struggling on defense, Pacers still No. Surprise: Andrew Bynum didn't work out in Cleveland. He decided to forego surgery entirely during the summer of 08 because of the Olympic Games and never had a procedure done. Ive been there.. It was a glitch in the the never-released EA Sports video game NBA Elite 11. Bynums last day with the Cavaliers, needless to say, will live in league infamy forever. The Hook: Kobe, Bynum and the death throes of LA's mini-dynasty, Prada: Streaking Golden State Warriors blending old with new, Dennis Rodman's North Korea dream team roster is spectacular, Rick Carlisle blasts New York media in support of Mike Woodson, Andrew Bynum suspended indefinitely by Cavaliers, City of Cleveland wasn't an issue for Bynum, Joel Embiid injury updates: 76ers star out for Celtics Game 1 with knee sprain, NBA Scores: Steph Curry erupts to send Warriors into second round, The Grizzlies humbling NBA Playoff run could be the best thing for their future, NBA Playoffs 2023: Bracket, start dates, TV times, matchups, scores for second round, NBA Scores: Jamal Murray fuels Nuggets Game 1 domination of Suns, 2023 NBA playoffs round two preview: Nuggets vs Suns. The sideshows that have followed seem more like an extension of the angst that comes from suffering. Before Bynum was thrown out of his final practice and suspended, he was shooting the ball every time he touched it in a practice scrimmage, sources said from whatever remote part of the court he had caught the ball. "They got injuries and they're not posting the ball, so, that's tough too. He might be the only player in the NBA who would have preferred a career as a mechanical engineer to one playing basketball, but he never really had a choice. Kobe Bryants High School Teammates Witnessed the Early Stages of Mamba Mentality: He Bordered on Psychotic. Bynum put it all on the line, and his contributions helped Kobe Bryant and the Lakers get across the finish line en route to back-to-back titles. Those concerns were validated when Bynum missed the entire 2012-2013 season and never once suited up for Philly after having yet another knee surgery. Well address it as a team, as a unit, to make sure everybody is on the same page, Gasol said. [9] He originally planned to attend the University of Connecticut on a basketball scholarship; however, the 17-year-old made the decision to go directly into the NBA and made himself eligible for the 2005 NBA draft,[10] where he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers.