Andrew Bynum, the oft-injured seven-footer with noted attitude issues, has proven once again that talent trumps all. The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a shot on the gifted big man, signing him to a two-year, $24 million deal according to reports.
Last offseason, Bynum was one of the key pieces in the major trade that landed Dwight Howard in Los Angeles. The Lakers shipped Bynum to Philadelphia, where the 76ers hoped they had acquired a player many considered the best center in basketball.
Bynum's creaky knees gave out on him, however, and despite several methods of treatment, including a trip to Germany, his knees never got better. He never played one game for Philadelphia, and the Sixers suffered through a disappointing season in which they missed the playoffs.
This offseason, Philly made a draft day trade, sending All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans, and got back rookie center out of Kentucky Nerlens Noel, who fell to sixth in the NBA Draft because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the regular season.
When healthy two seasons ago, Bynum was a devastating player offensively. He averaged 18.7 points per game on 56 percent shooting and 13.3 attempts per game. Those attempts are sure to go up without Kobe Bryant taking up the majority of Cleveland's possessions. In addition to the scoring, Bynum was grabbing nearly 12 boards a game, and blocking a tick fewer than two shots a night. He is not known as a high-effort defensive player, but his size in the paint is still a deterrent.
If he can stay on the court, he and Kyrie Irving could potentially form the top offensive point guard and center duo, rivaling the Deron Williams/Brook Lopez combo in Brooklyn.
Last season, Irving averaged 22.5 points per game as a second-year player to go along with 5.6 assists. He also shot 39.1 percent from 3-point range on just under five attempts.
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