<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ATLANTA ? Andrew Bynum and Jordan Farmar, the center and point guard of the Lakers' future? Not quite yet. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson took a long look at their progress to date and definitely didn't over-endorse them in an impromptu "state of the kids" address. Jackson was asked whether Bynum and Farmar were the team's future foundation at their respective positions. "I'm not going to say that about either one of them," he said. "They haven't shown the ability to compete in a real NBA arena where they've overcome adversity, learned what they have to learn, have the work ethic. "I'm not doubting Farmar's work ethic right now at all, but by saying that, immediately I throw aspersions on Drew's work ethic. He's more of a lackadaisical kind of guy. You have to push him a little bit to get him going out there. Not only play, but also win. That's what it's about here." This isn't the first time Jackson has picked at Bynum's work habits. He removed the second-year center from the starting lineup after the first 14 games because the 19-year-old was showing up progressively later for pregame workouts and struggling on the court. "There's some things that we're pleased with what Andrew does, and there are a lot of things that we want him to improve on," Jackson said. "Until that improvement comes along, you have to wait and see. Initiative is one of the things. Correctable mistakes is another thing. Discipline is a third thing. "You've got guys in this league that are symbolic and emblematic of that kind of effort, like Tim Duncan and Yao Ming, guys that are centers that are ahead of you, that show great discipline. They go out on the court before games, they're working hard on their games, they're showing improvement year by year. They're at a point where they're correcting mistakes and getting better, even as they age in this league. You really have to push yourself as a player." As if to prove his point a few minutes later, Jackson broke up a small media session with Bynum by telling him gruffly to go out on the court for pregame activities. Bynum had 14 points and 10 rebounds Monday against the Atlanta Hawks. He is averaging 8.5 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22.1 minutes this season. Bynum said he felt he was "playing pretty well right now, pushing my averages up," and said he and Jackson had not spoken about work ethic. "We don't really talk much, and he never really tells me anything like that," Bynum said. "I guess that's what they're trying to instill in me because they wouldn't let me go anywhere over the summer. I'm going to be myself. That's all I can be. I think I'm going to get better as time goes on."</div> Source
So how does Phil expect him to learn those things when he doesnt communicate with him? He needs to let him know of the things that will make him a great center. He has the potential because he has good hands and reacts really well on defense. Come on Phil you need to stop going to the media and start going to your players more.
I don't like this article, Phil comes off as more of an ass than ever. If he doesn't communicate with Bynum, I really don't think he can learn. He's one hell of a coach, but he needs to communicate with him instead of just criticizing him.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I don't like this article, Phil comes off as more of an ass than ever. If he doesn't communicate with Bynum, I really don't think he can learn. He's one hell of a coach, but he needs to communicate with him instead of just criticizing him.</div> Exactly. I kind of understand what Phil's trying to get at though, but I think he's being too drastic. Bynum is still a very young player in this league with tons of potential. We all know that potential doesn't make you a great player. I think what Phil's trying to tell Bynum is that you can never be too happy. Bynum has stepped up as of late, but Phil's just using another one of his mind tricks to keep him humble. IMO, Phil's just trying to motivate him to work and play harder. But giving Bynum props once in a while won't hurt. I don't think I've ever heard anything positive coming out of Phil Jackson's mouth when he's talking about Andrew Bynum
Maybe Phil is trying to give other teams a certain image of Bynum so they will be hesitant to try to sign him for big money in the future. Like how Curry's work ethic + heart condition scared away practically all teams (except New York who threw huge money at him)
I think that by Phil pushing on him on the court, and not starting him when he shows up late to pregame warmups is his way of "communicating" on his work ethic. I kind of agree with Phil though. They have great potential, but they have their problems(Bynum in particular). They have to show up each game like Kobe does, they have to have a stellar work ethic, and they have to have that "hunger". To me, this article seems like Bynum cares about his numbers. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bynum said he felt he was "playing pretty well right now, pushing my averages up," and said he and Jackson had not spoken about work ethic.</div> He shouldn't care so much about that stuff, but about winning, improving, and doing anything he can to help us win.
When you push up your averages, it usually is because you're playing good. That's what I took away from what Bynum was trying to say. I'm getting the impression Phil and Bynum don't really get a long and Bynum doesn't really care for Phil, as they really don't talk. I don't think it matters, either. As long as Bynum continues to train with Kareem, I'm happy.
It's Phil's job to keep his players uncomfortable and paranoid about their playing time. This team is one of the youngest in the league, and young people have a hard time keeping their focus. We've seen so many players come through the NBA with preconceived expectations on them. Their young so they buy into the hype about how good they really are, instead of working hard and living up to their potential. Bynum needs this tough love from the coaching staff to constantly challenge him and help him develop the mentality to be at the same level as a Tim Duncan or Yao Ming by putting in work.
There is a difference between keeping them uncomfortable and not putting any faith in them. Phil rarely throws Bynum a compliment, when in reality, he's playing better ball than at least 90% of basketball fans and experts would expect.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">There is a difference between keeping them uncomfortable and not putting any faith in them. Phil rarely throws Bynum a compliment, when in reality, he's playing better ball than at least 90% of basketball fans and experts would expect.</div> Which is exactly why Phil is the man.
That made no sense? I wasn't complimenting Phil... The reason why Bynum is playing so strong right now is Kareem and support from his teammates.
Bynum is very undisciplined and stubborn at the moment , and I can already feel that he’s satisfied with his improvement because everyone else is, but that’s not the attitude he should have. The fact that he talks back to Phil, that he talks back to Kobe, shows me he still has a lot of growing up to do and that he’s getting a bit too into himself.
