Source: LA Daily News I guess they want him to work with their young big men Thabeet & Marc Gasol? I know Bynum doesn't work closely with Kareem anymore because Kareem doesn't want Bynum to be dependent on him to continue his development. Good luck to Kareem if he does decide to take the job there, but I hope he stays and continues working with Mbenga.
KAJ seems to have warmed up a lot in the last few years. It wasn't long ago that people tended to consider him an unfriendly pariah.
Shape, where did you hear that about Kareem not wanting Bynum to be dependent on him? Every report that came out said Kareem was disappointed because Bynum was moving away from Kareem. Good luck to him, I hope he can get the job. He's done miracles with Bynum, it is time for them both to move on. I think Bynum's learned a great deal and is time for him to focus on other areas of his game.
Kareem dismissed those reports in a radio interview. He wants Bynum to work on the drills and practice without Kareem meeting him at the gym. The only way for Bynum to fully develop is if he puts in extra work without Kareem around. There's still plenty of knowledge KAJ can pass along to Bynum, but he felt Bynum wasn't working on new things unless KAJ was present. Here's a good article about their relationship. KAJ was disappointed in the situation because he couldn't spend more time with Bynum this past summer because Bynum basically took a break to travel. There's no rift between the two.
Well, Kareem can't be holding Drew's hands for the rest of his career. If the opportunity comes knocking, Kareem should do what is best for himself. He will always be Laker for life.
What do you mean Bynum took time to travel? All reports had him in ATL working out with his personal trainer?
Ah, I thought you meant all summer. I don't know, I've got no issues with him moving away from Kareem, or vice versa, or Bynum traveling. Word was that Bynum wanted to work on his perimeter game and his jump shot and Kareem was opposed to it. I think Drew will be fine either way, it is just an issue of staying healthy with him. I think every body in the basketball world knows that he can produce now, he just needs to stay healthy.
I agree. It's healthy for him to want to try new ways to train and get different perspectives from other trainers and coaches. KAJ laid out the foundation for him and he's readily available for Bynum. Health and confidence are the key to Bynum breaking out. With Yao Ming out this season, Bynum has a chance to make the All-Star game for the first time.
If he stays healthy, I think he'll make it. He has had this confidence rolling since training camp. It also looks like the team is making more of an effort to get him the ball down low, which I like. I think when he is rolling, it makes it much easier for everyone on the team.
Let's see if they make the same effort getting him the ball when Gasol returns. I still feel Bynum should play with the second unit and be the focal point of the offense. Walton is our best post passer at getting him the ball in halfcourt sets and Odom is the best passer getting Drew the ball in transition.
Artest might be fighting with Walton for best post passing title. I think both Drew and Pau can operate in the post. Should be interesting.
