Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum doesn't believe he can ever be the player he once was. After a history of knee issues, Bynum admitted his explosiveness is now gone and he can no longer simply rely on athleticism.
He missed the entire 2012-13 season to recover from knee injuries. Now, at age 26, Bynum concedes he isn't the same athlete that he once was. No matter how much rehab he undergoes, he knows his explosiveness is gone.
"I don't think it's going to come back," Bynum said on Monday, via the Akron Beacon Journal. "It makes you have to rely more on footwork and skills vs. athleticism."
Like Miami Heat center Greg Oden, Bynum has his own set rehab schedule. He's currently unable to play in back-to-back games because of his need for rest between games, according to The Beacon Journal.
Bynum has played in three of the Cavs' four games, where he's averaged 12 minutes, 3.3 rebounds, 6.0 points and 1.7 blocks per game. In his last outing, on Monday against Minnesota, Bynum had four rebounds, three blocks and 10 points in 19 minutes.
He also admitted he still feels "little sharp pains here and there, but nothing too bad." The ex-Laker is expected to see an increase in minutes if he continues to play without any major setbacks.
As for what's next?
"Up until this point, I've only played a couple minutes," Bynum said, via the News-Herald. "I feel all right. My timing is still off. I have to get in game shape."
Bynum enjoyed his best season during his 2011-12 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers, when he averaged 18.7 points, 1.9 blocks and 11.8 rebounds per game. The 7-footer has shown he has the talent to be one of the league's premier big men, but injuries have hampered his career.
Cleveland hosts the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
