Friday, July 19, 2013

Cavs sign Bynum

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – The Andrew Bynum era in Philadelphia has officially ended without the 7-footer ever playing a game for the Sixers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers officially inked the oft-injured center to a contract on Friday, believed to be for two years and $24 million but only $6 million of that is guaranteed.

“We are very happy to welcome Andrew to Cleveland and the Cavaliers organization,” said Cavs GM Chris Grant.  “His talent, size and experience clearly have the potential to very positively impact our team. He has the ability to strengthen the foundation we are creating and continue to be very excited about. At the same time, we are fully aware of where he is in his journey to get back on the court and will provide every resource possible to support and enhance this process."

Bynum was originally selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft out of St. Joseph H.S. in Metuchen, NJ.  In seven NBA seasons, the 7-foot, 285-pount center has appeared in 392 games with 300 starts, averaging 11.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.6 blocks in 26.0 minutes per game while shooting .566 from the floor.

The 25-year old, however,  missed the entire the 2012-13 season, what was expected to be his first with the Sixers, due to what has been described as chronic knee problems.

The previous season, 2011-12, Bynum, a two-time NBA Champion, averaged career-highs of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds for the Lakers and coach Mike Brown, while being voted as a NBA All-Star starter for the Western Conference.

Brown is currently the Cavs coach.

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