Sixers Release –

The Philadelphia 76ers continue to be cautious in projecting an on-court date for the return of Andrew Bynum, and are carefully listening to the team of medical professionals who are closely monitoring the healing of Bynum’s knee.

In mid-September 2012, Bynum suffered a bone bruise of his right knee. He was examined at that time by Dr. David W. Altchek of New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, Bynum’s longtime personal doctor who is acting as the lead orthopedist in caring for Andrew’s knee. It was initially communicated to the Sixers that Bynum should refrain from basketball activity for a period of four weeks to allow the knee to heal. His knee was re-evaluated on October 22 by Dr. Altchek, who extended by an additional four weeks to November 19 the time for Andrew to refrain from basketball activity.

Andrew received a fresh MRI and was seen again by Dr. Altchek this past week on Monday, November 5.

At that evaluation, Dr. Altcheck extended Andrew’s return date for a second time by an additional three weeks. However, in what the Sixers believe is an optimistic sign, Dr. Altchek also indicated that Andrew could immediately resume low impact exercise. Low impact exercise for a period of two weeks is to be followed by three weeks of conditioning on an anti-gravity treadmill. The doctors and the team will be closely watching how Bynum’s knee responds during this five week regimen. Upon successful completion, Bynum is expected to be able to resume normal basketball activity.

If the current prognosis holds unchanged, Bynum would be cleared to resume normal basketball activity by approximately December 10. In addition, the team estimates that Bynum in turn will need an additional 1-4 weeks thereafter for conditioning, training and practice before being able to resume game play with significant minutes.

Tony DiLeo, the 76ers General Manager said, “We know that Sixers fans are eager to see Andrew Bynum play and shine in a 76ers uniform. We also know that no one is more eager to see Andrew play for the Sixers than Andrew himself. He fully realizes the key contribution he can make to the team. Hopefully, that day is coming soon.”

You just know Tony DiLeo, Adam Aron, and the rest of the 76ers front office gave the wink across the office to their press release copywriter to start work immediately after yesterday’s Eagles catastrophe was finished. Could never dream of a better time to release this information than now.

Is it disappointing to hear that our supposed best player wont be ready to play until 2013 — of course. But the frustration from the fan side doesn’t necessarily come from the guy being hurt or the team being cautious, it comes from the team’s insistence that AB was healthy and ready to roll by opening day. Why lead the fanbase on for so long? To sell more season tickets under a dishonest marquee? That’s fucked, Sixers.

Can the team stay in playoff contention without Bynum until January? Sure. Does it make sense to wait until the guy is completely healthy and in the proper conditioning before allowing him to hit the floor? Sure. But shit, Sixers, a little restraint during your Andew Bynum blowjob tour this summer would’ve been nice. Spencer Hawes’ stars and stripes headband juice won’t last forever.

PS – Stop it with the vests, my dude. You look like Aladdin.
PPS – Christmas is coming and I think I deserve an anti-gravity treadmill.