Source: Bynum Targets All-Star Break Return

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Philadelphia 76ers have help on the way.

Center Andrew Bynum took part in on-court activities this week and could return to the hardwood around the time of the NBA All-Star break, according to Tom Moore of PhillyBurbs.com.

The 7-foot center was snapped taking free throws at the 76ers practice facility on Tuesday morning and told the press that he was optimistic about his return to the court at the NBA schedule’s halfway point.

“It is going well. I am feeling a lot less pain, progressing on the treadmill. I will start running soon so it is going pretty good…

“I come in, I get on the treadmill for 20 minutes. Right now it is all walking, a fast-paced walk. Then I get on the bike and do a bunch of leg stuff with no weights, just all body-weight stuff, just trying to get that cartilage to grind up more and then the better I feel, the more we add.”

Bynum was even eager to finally put a timetable on his return date.

“While pointing out that he has plenty of work to do before he’ll be in game shape and that there’s no timetable for his return, Bynum is hoping for “around the all-star break,” per Moore.

“The Sixers’ final game prior to the break is Feb. 13 in Milwaukee. Their first opponent following the break is Minnesota on Feb. 20. They have 30 regular-season contests following the road meeting with the Timberwolves.”

So mark your calendars, boys and girls. The Sixers could be relevant again.

Though, there are some of us that still remain skeptical on whether he can return in time for the Sixers to make a push towards the Eastern Conference elite.

Currently, Philadelphia sits at 16-22 (9th in the East) and on the outside looking in at the playoff picture. They have hit a road block in the last 1o games, posting a record of 3-7 during that span.

Their biggest woes lie in their rebounding (41.4; 22nd overall) and offensive production (92.6; 27th overall). But Bynum’s return can change that. In fact, the big man averaged a shade under 19 points and 12 rebounds last season and can manage the paint well on the defensive end.

So while Philadelphia’s exuberance over the likely return of Bynum could mean big things for the Sixers, it’s wise to temper those thoughts just in case his return date is pushed back, like it has before.