Image via WikipediaAndrew Bynum may be one of the most talented true centers to enter the NBA in some time, but it's hard to tell because so far his brief career has been defined by injuries.When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Bynum with the 10th pick of the 2005 draft, general manager Mitch Kupchak envisioned a player in the mold of Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar, but that hasn't been the case.
Kareem has instilled his knowledge of the game in Bynum, and the youngster is blessed with plenty of fundamental talent, but his body has not been a willing participant in Bynum's quest to be a great center.
It may seem like Bynum has been around forever, but some people forget he was the youngest player ever to appear in a NBA regular season game. During his brief periods of health, Bynum has shown flashes of his potential.
The Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard is universally recognized as the NBA's top center, the league's most dominant physical force, and the defending NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
In terms of pure athleticism, Howard wins the battle easily, because he is simply the most intimidating post presence in the game today, but when it comes to the merits of a true center, Bynum has a place in the argument.
Bynum is much further along in the fundamental development of his game than Howard, and he has absorbed the tutelage of Abdul-Jabbar very well.
Bynum has a true back-to-the-basket game, great footwork in the paint, and he can spin to either shoulder and finish at the rim with either hand.
His true value however lies on the defensive end, because he has become an intimidating presence in his own right, and while Howard's defense is based on vicious blocks, Bynum's is rooted in philosophy.
Bynum's purpose on defense is to keep his opponent in front of him, and to defend the basket once the perimeter has been breached. He is not overly quick, but Bynum's seven foot frame lessens his recovery time if he is beaten in the post.
But protecting the basket was the area Bynum excelled in last season, and although he didn't account for a ton of blocks, he did alter the trajectory of numerous shots.
I would give the edge to Howard simply because he is a more dominant player than Bynum, but in truth Howard doesn't really fit the profile of a true NBA center.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/439277-where-does-andrew-bynum-rank-among-the-nbas-top-centers
No comments:
Post a Comment