The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Top 10 Sixers busts since 2000

By Uriah Young

Dec 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) and guard Markelle Fultz against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) and guard Markelle Fultz against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Bynum: Top 10 Sixers busts since 2000

Philadelphia 76ers
Oct 01, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum (33) is interviewed during media day at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

So, up to this point, none of the players mentioned were expected to have as much of an immediate impact as this next player. Coming from a Los Angeles Lakers squad that had won two championships, Andrew Bynum checked off many boxes for the 76ers going into the 2012 season.

He was a double-double, rim-protecting center with youth on his side and untapped potential. Playing behind Kobe Bryant with the Lakers, Bynum was never the main focus of the offense. In Philly, he would have been featured by coach Doug Collins as a skilled interior player with a number of ways to score. Unfortunately, Bynum never suited up. Why?

We all know the story. One that baffles 76ers fans to this day. Apparently, Bynum went bowling and somehow injured his knee. That’s it. A bowling injury spoiled one of the most anticipated debuts for a Sixers center in quite a while. The hype was so enormous that the Constitution Center was rented out by the Sixers to introduce Bynum to the city.

With the Sixers, he took his money and ran. His overall attitude toward his new franchise ultimately reflected his true character, which was notorious for being selfish and lazy. Had he possessed the maturity and desire to play for the Sixers, maybe the “Process” never happens. It is debatable.

What is certain is that Andrew Bynum will go down as one of the most infamous athletes in the city for being a top bust who never even played. After Philly, he had quick stints in Cleveland and Indiana. Bynum played only eight seasons but racked up over $72 million despite playing 82 games only once throughout his career.