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Should the Golden State Warriors give Andrew Bynum a chance at success in the NBA?

By Nathan Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 26: Andrew Bynum #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 26, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 26: Andrew Bynum #21 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on December 26, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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Apparently former Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum is looking at an NBA comeback. Should the Golden State Warriors consider signing him?

Andrew Bynum was a lottery pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. Collecting two rings, both with the Lakers, Bynum saw limited success in the NBA and hasn’t seen action since the 2013-2014 NBA season. As for the Golden State Warriors, should they give him a chance?

Here’s the report from Shams Charania, who is now with The Athletic.

Bynum’s best season resulted in averages of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

In 35 minutes per game, Bynum was awarded the only All-Star appearance of his career. To make his numbers matter a bit more, Bynum’s 2011-2012 averages were only matched by DeMarcus Cousins and Karl-Anthony Towns this past season.

While not an elite center, Bynum did prove to be a force to be reckoned with that season. However, like many big men, injuries took Bynum’s career away from him. Following his dynamic season in 2011, he sat out the entire next season and played just 26 games the following season.

Just like Greg Oden, we never got to see what Bynum’s career might’ve looked like if injuries didn’t take their toll on him. And, that will be a real concern for a team, if any, eyeing the soon-to-be 31-year-old.

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For Golden State, the demand for money is at an all-time high. So, Bynum, even if he had an out-of-this-world workout, would still only get $2.3 million, the veteran’s minimum. However, it’s pretty unlikely there’s any interest in the 7-foot center.

The Warriors have Jordan Bell backing up DeMarcus Cousins, and even prior to Cousins’ return, the Warriors will have Kevon Looney to work the post along with their lethal small-ball lineup in which Draymond Green plays the five.

That’s at least three players Bynum for have to fight for minutes at the five with.

That to say, the Warriors have options at the five. But, until Cousins is back, it wouldn’t hurt to bring another body that would allow the Warriors’ elite offseason signing some additional time to rehab. There’s no guarantee Bynum doesn’t immediately get injured upon signing though.

The risks are higher than the reward, and with an array of veteran leaders like Corey Brewer, Jamal Crawford and Nick Young still available, I’d be shocked if the Warriors entertain Bynum at all.

Next. 3 reasons why Klay Thompson will stay in the Bay in 2019. dark

They’re the league’s best team, so aiming for a player returning from two straight seasons without NBA action would seem very odd.

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