Andrew Bynum (Photo : REUTERS)
Andrew Bynum is a perfect example of a once-in-a-generation talent got wasted because of attitude problems and questionable work ethics. On the other hand, that incredible talent is still there, waiting to be tapped once more.
As free-agency period draws near, teams are expected to beat out one another for the service of that game-changing big man. Unfortunately, the market for centers is too thin. Outside All-Stars Marc Gasol and Tyson Chandler, the rest are simply a bunch of immobile, big bodies.
Bynum, who was once considered the best scoring center in the game, is expected to make himself available again in the free-agency market. Although no teams offered him a contract last summer, his agent, David Lee, believed offers will start piling in after he undergoes "The Regenokine Program" to address his chronic knee problems (per Marc Berman of NY Post).
If Bynum ever resurrects his NBA career again, which many think he still can as long as he proves that knee is 100 percent healthy, here are the teams that might give the big man another chance to play in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers - For all the bad memories he left in Los Angeles, there's no denying Bynum was an important part of the Lakers back-to-back championship run. In 2012, Bynum was selected as the starter for the Western Conference All-Star and finished the season averaging at least 18 points and 11 boards per game.
Signing Bynum to a contract is always a gamble. However, the Lakers could significantly decrease that risk by offering him a non-guaranteed deal or a veteran minimum. With the market for centers expected to be brutally competitive, falling back to a familiar guy like Bynum isn't a bad idea at all as long as financial terms is reasonable.
New York Knicks - According to Lee, the Knicks showed interest in Bynum last summer, but never pursued this option since they are unsure if his knees were healthy enough.
Phil Jackson was instrumental in Bynum's development during their stint in Los Angeles, if there's someone who can get the best out of him, it would be his former head coach. In addition, the presence of Knicks head coach and former Lakers point guard Derek Fisher, who knows well his strength and comfort zone on the floor, is also another reason why the Knicks would be ideal for him.
Los Angeles Clippers - the Clips are actually the only NBA team that invited Bynum for a private workout last summer. Although there's no report that he attended that workout, the Clips will not hesitate giving Bynum another chance if they feel that he's healthy and motivated enough to play.
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding DeAndre Jordan's free-agency, would make Bynum an attractive fall-back option. Bynum can be a solid backup center for Spencer Hawes, who is expected to start should Jordan eventually leave.
If Bynum wants to resume his NBA career, he would need more than fresh pair of knees. Growing up has been the biggest hurdle to his career from the start, and now that his NBA career in tatters, the former All-Star center, who once mesmerized with his ability to score with ease, must show that he finally learns the meaning of professionalism.
