Sixers Update Andrew Bynum's Knee Status: Maybe By Christmas

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The Philadelphia 76ers sent out an update on the status of Andrew Bynum's knee this morning and it doesn't look like you'll get to see the big man suit up for the Sixers until around Christmas at the earliest. According to the update, which you can read in full below, Bynum had an MRI on Monday, November 5th, and was reevaluated by his doctor shortly there after.

[Read Andrew's analysis of the Bynum status update here]

The key line of the update reads, "If the current prognosis holds unchanged, Bynum
would be cleared to resume normal basketball activity by
approximately December 10." He'd then need an additional 1-4 weeks to get into playing shape. But note the salvo there that says "if the current prognosis holds unchanged."

So, maybe you could get an All-Star center in your stocking this Christmas. But maybe not.

The Sixers' full update:


The Philadelphia 76ers continue to be cautious
in projecting an on-court date for the return of Andrew Bynum, and are
carefully listening to the team of medical professionals who are closely
monitoring the healing of Bynum's knee. In mid-September 2012, Bynum suffered a bone
bruise of his right knee. He was examined at that time by Dr. David W.
Altchek of New York's Hospital for Special Surgery, Bynum's longtime
personal doctor who is acting as the lead orthopedist
in caring for Andrew's knee. It was initially communicated to the
Sixers that Bynum should refrain from basketball activity for a period
of four weeks to allow the knee to heal. His knee was re-evaluated on
October 22 by Dr. Altchek, who extended by an additional
four weeks to November 19 the time for Andrew to refrain from basketball activity. Andrew received a fresh MRI and was seen again by Dr. Altchek this past week on Monday, November 5. At that evaluation, Dr. Altcheck extended
Andrew's return date for a second time by an additional three weeks.
However, in what the Sixers believe is an optimistic sign, Dr. Altchek
also indicated that Andrew could immediately resume
low impact exercise. Low impact exercise for a period of two weeks is
to be followed by three weeks of conditioning on an anti-gravity
treadmill.  The doctors and the team will be closely watching how
Bynum's knee responds during this five week regimen. Upon
successful completion, Bynum is expected to be able to resume normal
basketball activity.  If the current prognosis holds unchanged, Bynum
would be cleared to resume normal basketball activity by
approximately December 10.
In addition, the team estimates that Bynum in
turn will need an additional 1-4 weeks thereafter for conditioning,
training and practice before being able to resume game play with
significant minutes. Tony DiLeo, the 76ers General Manager said, "We
know that Sixers fans are eager to see Andrew Bynum play and shine in a
76ers uniform. We also know that no one is more eager to see Andrew play
for the Sixers than Andrew himself. He fully
realizes the key contribution he can make to the team. Hopefully, that
day is coming soon."
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