Sixers' Andrew Bynum (knees) cleared to run, eyes All-Star break return

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ByBen Golliver

Sixers center Andrew Bynum went through a light workout in front of reporters in Philadelphia on Monday, indicating that he has been cleared to run and that he is targeting a return to the court around the All-Star break. Bynum has not played this season and has been listed as out "indefinitely" with bone bruises in both of his knees.

Philly.com reported his timeline and noted that Bynum is currently "in the 300-pound range."

“I have no idea exactly, I just want to get back,” Bynum said Monday. “I think, I’m hoping around the [A]ll-[S]tar break. That’s what I’m hoping.  I have no idea exactly when I’ll be back.”

This year's All-Star break runs from Feb. 15 to 17. The Sixers' first game after the All-Star break is Feb. 20 against the Timberwolves in Minnesota.

Bynum's workout included some jump shots, hook shots, free throws and three-pointers. He told reporters afterwards that pain in both of his knees was "minimal" and that he was cleared to run on a treadmill.

"Running started today," he said. "Weights, I've been doing them but now it's more explosive. [Running], not on the court, on the treadmill over there. Pretty much, starting off at a jog and then running. I haven't started and stopped, acceleration and deceleration. It's tough, I'm working up to that."

The 7-foot center, acquired in a four-team blockbuster trade from the Lakers over the summer, said it was good to get back on the court.

"My touch feels pretty good," he said. "My timing I have to work on. Lateral movement, I have to work on. We have still quite a ways to go. I'm making good progress. I feel much better mentally. Wake up today, I'm ready to go, I can work out. That's good. Versus the alternative of sitting around all day waiting. The waiting is over. I'm in motion and it's good."

Bynum did not play during the preseason and was expected to make his return in December, before the Sixers announced in November that he suffered a "setback" while bowling and that he has "cartilage damage" in his left knee.

Bynum, 25, averaged 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks for the Lakers last season. He is on the books for $16.9 million this season and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.  The Sixers are 16-22 this season, good for the No. 9 position in the Eastern Conference.

Video via YouTube user calkinsmedia | Hat tip: Beyond The Buzzer