There’s a certain perception of Andrew Bynum among NBA fans. Maybe it’s all those games spent on the sidelines with (sometimes questionable) injuries. Maybe it’s that time Bynum parked his car across two handicapped spaces.
However, Philadelphia 76ers point guard Jrue Holiday doesn’t buy into the public perception of Bynum. Quite the contrary, Holiday says that Bynum was a model teammate during the 2012-13 NBA season, even if he couldn’t be out there on the court.
“He’s an awesome teammate even though he didn’t get the chance to play,” Holiday told USA Today. “I think during the year when he was with us, he was there for us. He was there every day, he was rehabbing, working on his knee, came in on time. … Every time I saw him he was working hard, it wasn’t like he didn’t want to play, he always wanted to play and you could see that.”
Holiday also indicated that Bynum’s presence around the team helped Holiday grow as a player. He says Bynum’s knowledge of playing the true center position helped Holiday understand how big men operate.
“He showed me a lot of perspective from the big men aspect of the game,” said Holiday. “I do think he’s one of the best big men in the league and having him on the bench and in the locker room helped me to improve my game.”
Holiday says he hasn’t spoken to the 76ers front office about Bynum’s future. However, Holiday, like everyone else, understands that health and Bynum’s balky knees will play a role in the decision whether to try and keep him in Philadelphia.
Holiday did not comment on Bynum’s bizarre hair styles.
