Oct 01, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum (33) poses for a photo during media day at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
On the fifth day at The Sixer Sense Round Table we take a look at the answers of some the staff, fans, and biggest sports writers in the business to a question that’s been being asked since October.
Will Andrew Bynum be back in Philly next year? Bynum didn’t play a single game for the Sixers this season after they made the blockbuster deal of the off-season to bring him in. With the presence of a superstar in the “City of Brotherly Love”, the expectations were astronomical. With aspirations of playing in the Eastern Conference Finals, it is safe to say that this was not the season fans or the organization was hoping for.
With all that said, I asked all the guys whether or not they thought Bynum would be back in Philly; here’s what they had to say.
"“Not a chance. Someone will offer him a big contract, but it won’t be the Sixers.”"
– USA TODAY Sports NBA Writer Sean Highkin
"“I really don’t know what to believe with Bynum as far as how good he will be, but I do think he’ll play again. I think the Sixers will probably let him walk this offseason in order to just start fresh with a new coach and look to free agency in 2014.”"
– Robby Kalland, SB Nation
"“He’ll play basketball again, but not for the Sixers.”"
– Roy Burton, SB Nation
"“Personally, I don’t think he will be. I think the Sixers are most likely fed up with the melodrama and realize that there is a strong possibility that, because of his injury history and general behavior, he’s not worth the money he’s going to be seeking. He’s likely going to be seeking a max deal and he’s had one healthy season where he’s warranted that kind of money. I think the Sixers eventually let him walk.”"
– Cody Williams, Rant Sports
"“No, I do not think Andrew Bynum will be back next year as a Sixer. Believe it or not, there is probably a team out there that is willing to pay more for Bynum that what the Sixers are willing to pay.”"
– Matt Buesing, Fire and Ice Radio
"“I don’t think the Sixers will bring back Andrew Bynum. From a PR perspective, I do not know how they can offer him a new contract. Fans are angry. I don’t think throwing maximum money at the guy who crippled your franchise with his two bad knees would do anything to alleviate fans’ frustrations.”"
– Greg Duca, Fire and Ice Radio
"“He will but it’s not really a Bynum I want any part of. I’ve heard from many people that no one likes basketball less than Andrew Bynum. He wants to play so he can still be in the culture of basketball and have enough money to live that life. He’ll get a contract one way or the other and maybe attempt to play some games to shed the image he built in Philadelphia but it won’t last.”"
– Average Bro, Sports Pro & Average Bro
"“This feels like more of a metaphorical question. If we define “back” as in Philly, then No. If we define “back” as in playing next year, then maybe.”"
– Sports Pro, Sports Pro & Average Bro
"“No, and I hope not.”"
– Danny Solis, The Sixer Sense
"“The only contract I would offer Bynum would be at a huge discount. I’m not an expert on NBA contracts, but anything more than 50% of the max should be off-limits to the Sixers at this point (barring the aforementioned conspiracy theory). There was way too much pain watching him ride the pine (often not even on the pine at all) all season long to even risk putting Sixers fans through that again. And like I said before, there are too many other teams out there trying to make a splash to allow the Sixers the possibility of getting such a discount.”"
– E.J. Aguado, The Sixer Sense
"“As you know, I have stopped talking about Bynum a long time ago. I guess now that the season is over, I can resume. My answer to this question, however, is: I don’t care. I really don’t care if he’s back. If he does, great. If he doesn’t stick around, then that’s great too. A little after the trade, I gave a few reasons why I thought Bynum would stay. It’s really up to him at this point. I feel like he’ll be gone though.”"
– Dante Nelson, The Sixer Sense
"“The biggest question heading into this summer for the Sixers is whether to resign Bynum or let him walk. In my opinion, the Sixers have yet to even make their decision. With Bynum sitting out the entire campaign, his health status will determine if they even make an offer. I do not think they offer the max because of his health concerns. With the amount of cap space many teams have available this summer, I think he receives the offer he is looking for elsewhere and ends up never suiting up as a Philadelphia 76er.”"
– Steve Garlatti, The Sixer Sense
"“I think he has the potential to be back, but his knees aren’t a joke. We’ll know more after the playoffs and HOPEFULLY before the draft so they know what to do with their pick. In my opinion, they go Center no matter what, but if Bynum can play next year, I could live with a Bynum/Hawes off the bench combination.”"
-Spencer Layman, The Sixer Sense
As you can see, any talk about Andrew Bynum draws criticism, disappointment, and sheer disgust. Many think Bynum will be back, but many think there is no chance whatsoever. It is ultimately up to the big man and the organization; one thing is certain though, if he is back and next season is anything like this one, Philly fans will be as hostile as ever.