Andrew Bynum insists his rehab is on schedule and he will be a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers attack this season. Just when that might be remains up in the air, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
"I moved here a week after the press conference (July 19), and I've been here ever since, day in and day out just working," Bynum told the newspaper. "I'm there focused. I'm doing everything I can do to get back. That's what all this is all about for me right now. I just want to play."
As for when exactly that might be Bynum "told the Plain Dealer "it's a fluid process. I have no idea what the schedule is going to be for me, but I'm doing everything I can to be ready. I think with the program that has been made up, we have a good chance...
I'm moving in the right direction."
The oft-injured center last suited up for an NBA game in 2012, when he was still a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. That offseason, the Lakers shipped him to Philadelphia as part of the Dwight Howard deal, but he never played a minute for the Sixers, instead spending the year recuperating from surgery on both his ailing knees.
But now, the man whom the Cavs took a $24 million gamble on in inking to a two-year deal pronounces his rehab "all green."And management agrees.
"We've been very impressed with Andrew's work ethic and diligence in this process," said GM Chris Grant. "He's doing everything possible to get back on the court as quickly as he can.''
Bynum has yet to be cleared for full-court competition, but does drills daily with former Cavs player Vitaly Potapenko, now part of the team's development staff. As a result of all the work, Bynum's weight has dropped from 305 lbs. to 292, just a few pounds heavier than his target of playing in the 280s. His body fat has also decreased from 12 percent to 9.5 percent.
When he engaged and motivated, Bynum has reigned as one of the league's best big man, averaging 17 points and 11 assists during his last season in L.A.
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