According to ESPN sources, Andrew Bynum to sign with Pacers

[Greenpoison]

Well, wrong. I don't think he figures to have any playing time at all, because thats probably not why they'll sign him.

According to all reports immediately at the start of Bynum's Free Agency, Indiana was only interested in Bynum in order to keep him away from Miami. They understand that Hibbert kills that team and want to keep anyone, even Bynum, away from the Heat. In all likelihood, Bynum is ring-chasing and looking for money over playing time - just going through the motions. It appears he wants to keep milking his career over expanding it, and Miami and Indy must be his top choices.

Now, if Bynum signs for the minimum, shapes up, gets some minutes and plays well, then maybe Mahinmi becomes tradable because his contract is a little large although he is playing great at backup Center. Many possible rewards for Indy as a result of a precautionary move.

[Eddie20]

Mahinimi averages 16 mpg. Bynum averaged 19 mpg with the Cavs. Not a huge drop off. Bynum should receive all of Mahinimi's minutes. The Pacers play inside and out and feature the post man so this is a good fit to feature Bynum's skills. Great move for the Pacers as they will now have 4 very good back to the basket players (West, Scola, Hibbert, Bynum) to take advantage of Miami's lack of size. Speaking of Miami, if I'm them I would definitely be worried.

[moiso]

Brian Windhorst ‏@WindhorstESPN
The Pacers are planning to sign Andrew Bynum, sources told ESPN

If this is true, I hope he doesn't mess up the chemistry of that team.

Why would it?

Bynum, according to Doug Collins and other inside sources, worked his butt off at his rehab. Whatever people may think of him, he's only considered a bum by Boston and Philly fans--as a group, not really the nicest people in the universe.

He's also got legitimate championship experience--that's something I suspect an organization like Indiana values pretty highly. And he can't seriously be looking for playing time in that front court.

Super win for Indiana.

Considering the fact that he's not playing for Cleveland because he was considered a detriment to the team and they questioned whether he wants to even play basketball are a couple of things that come to mind.

I never said he was a bum, but these are stated facts of why he's not with Cleveland and another reason why he's remained as a FA because teams question his willingness to play...that can mess up chemistry.

 But he can definitely helped in a limited role off the bench.

I'm pretty sure he's not in Cleveland because he can't physically handle the role they signed him for (starting center on a playoff team), and I think he's remained a free agent because teams are trying to get him for the Vet Min.

Anyway, I'm just sort of happily assume David West will put Bynum in the hospital if he's being a detriment to their title chances--when it comes down to realistic title contenders, Indiana is far and away my favorite.

Then you haven't been paying attention.

[Roy H.]

I think Bynum is equally (or more) likely to hurt a contender than help one. He had a bad attitude in Cleveland, and didn't help them on the floor. He showed flashes, but his athleticism looked sapped.

Bynum couldn't play hard (or well) and couldn't keep his attitude in check, even when playing on a non-guaranteed contract. He cost himself $18 million. I really don't think he will help when he is making much less than that. He's going to go to the suckers that guarantee him the most cash, and he will rob that franchise , too.

[GreenWarrior]

they just signed 'em to keep him away from the heat. if it was for any other purpose then this team is in trouble.

[Clench123]

Pacers or Spurs is taking the championship this year, there'sno doubt about it.

[PhoSita]

I think Bynum is equally (or more) likely to hurt a contender than help one. He had a bad attitude in Cleveland, and didn't help them on the floor. He showed flashes, but his athleticism looked sapped.

Bynum couldn't play hard (or well) and couldn't keep his attitude in check, even when playing on a non-guaranteed contract. He cost himself $18 million. I really don't think he will help when he is making much less than that. He's going to go to the suckers that guarantee him the most cash, and he will rob that franchise , too.

the biggest difference between Bynum and Oden is that Bynum has never really seemed like he enjoys basketball that much, or cares about being good at it.  Oden has gone through a lot and worked very hard to get to where he is now. 

i think you're right about Bynum -- i'd be surprised if he's ever much of a positive for a team going forward.

[barefacedmonk]

Done deal:

The Indiana Pacers announced Saturday they have signed free agent center Andrew Bynum to a contract for the remainder of the season. Per team policy, no terms were released.

Bynum will join the Pacers sometime next week.

“It really wasn’t a hard decision, I think it’s the right fit for me and, in all honesty, I think we’ve got the best chance of winning,” said Bynum. “It will be great to back up Roy and I’ll do whatever I can to help this team.”

Link

[chambers]

I think Bynum is equally (or more) likely to hurt a contender than help one. He had a bad attitude in Cleveland, and didn't help them on the floor. He showed flashes, but his athleticism looked sapped.

Bynum couldn't play hard (or well) and couldn't keep his attitude in check, even when playing on a non-guaranteed contract. He cost himself $18 million. I really don't think he will help when he is making much less than that. He's going to go to the suckers that guarantee him the most cash, and he will rob that franchise , too.

These are all valid points.
It's probably reasonable to assume that Larry Bird has a few trains of thought here. Being...
1) He'll be keen to play on a winning team after a long hiatus from the Lakers. He'll also be around veterans who are the best co-workers for a young thug like Bynum- and heck, they may bully him into becoming a man. Seems to have worked for Michael Beasley and the Heat to an extent?

2) If none of the above occur, and Bynum still acts like a 12 year old, Bird has paid a small price to keep him off Miami, or any other contender. He can lock him up and throw away the key. He could really care less if Bynum 'robs' them, he's willing to pay the $$$ to keep him from busting up Hibbert in the ECF- and now Voegel can send him out to beat up on Miami's big three and Oden.

Can you imagine the Pacers with Bynum and Hibbert on the floor at the same time in the half court?
Brings a new meaning to twin towers.
It's almost comical.

[bleedGREENdon]

Everyone looking at the downsides.

If Bynum plays anything like he did in LA. And have him and hibbert on the court at the same time in some situations. Wow. Could possibly be the best and biggest big man duo in the league. Yes David west is a better all around player then Bynum but 7' tall by itself is a big upgrade.

Heat are in trouble if they have to see Bynum and hibbert going to the hole, with Paul George guarding lebron one on one and lance Stephenson on wade.

One more idea I was thinking, if it's somehow possible, imagin Kyrie signing with Indy in the offseason?

[Donoghus]

Smart, relatively low risk move by the Bird & the Pacers.

Minimal expectations and that team is established enough where I don't think he'd cause any problems. If they get anything out of him on the court, it's an added benefit. 

[Onslaught]

The guy is a punk and a cancer. From what I understand everyone he's played for/with hated him. With all that said, I trust Larry Bird and if he thinks he can get this guy to play for them then I think it's a good idea.

He can give a few flagrant fouls to heat players.

[Endless Paradise]

Pacers or Spurs is taking the championship this year, there'sno doubt about it.

The same Spurs that are 1-11 against OKC, POR, MIA, IND, LAC, and HOU? You think "there's no doubt" they'll win the West over the Thunder who have the best record in the league, the best win streak in the league, happen to feature the leading MVP candidate, AND are still awaiting the return of an arguably top-10 NBA player?

[timobusa]

Greg Oden Vs Andrew Bynum

Eastern Conference Finals.

LOOOOL

[Roy H.]

Scary...  I find myself agreeing whole-heartedly with SAS.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10387066/free-agent-andrew-bynum-signs-indiana-pacers

The idea of Andrew Bynum influencing a kid like Lance Stephenson (who already has some character question marks) scares me.  I just don't think the risk of killing chemistry is worth the "reward" of the level of play Bynum showed this year.