When Andrew Bynum was introduced to the Sixers crowd on opening night, he received a roaring ovation. Bynum shouldn’t be tricked by such seemingly unconditional adulation. The Andrew Bynum era in Philadelphia is far more likely to end with boos than with cheers. Philly fans may be excited about Bynum’s potential and may find Bynum’s ridiculous hair endearing for now, but we have seen this story before. Bynum and Philly’s relationship will inevitable go the way Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick.
Bynum shares two unfortunate tendencies with these woebegone QBs. His greatness is sporadic at best and he always seems to be slightly detached from the game. Bynum is not exactly a warrior like Allen Iverson, in fact he once delayed knee surgery in order to go to the World Cup and everyone remembers his infamous cheap shot on the miniscule JJ Barea. Antics like these will not go over well with the irritable masses of Philadelphia. At first, fans will be enamored with his talent, and will haves dreams of him dominating Chris Bosh in the post, but eventually the injuries, the inconsistency, and the immaturity will slowly turn Philly fans against him. Donovan McNabb was driven out of town after taking the Eagles to the Super Bowl and, two seasons after Michael Vick had an MVP caliber season, Eagles fans are calling for Nick Foles, he of the sterling 4-8 record in his senior season at Arizona University. Inevitably, Philly fans will grow tired of Andrew Bynum as well.
Philly fans can’t really be blamed for their overly passionate behavior, but Philly’s administration should have known better. By ignoring the culture of their city, they have doomed their team to a frustrating and disappointing season. I would urge General Manager Tony DiLeo to trade Bynum as soon as he starts producing again. Bynum can be a franchise player, but sports are not played in a bubble. Philly’s vitriolic sports culture will hamper Bynum’s development and both Bynum and Philadelphia will be worse off for it. By the time DiLeo starts hearing chants for Spencer Hawes, it will be too late for the Sixers and for Andrew Bynum.
Plus that hair is flipping ridiculous.
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