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.
See I think the whole impact on chemistry thing is overblown.
This is an established team with stability. You have some veterans there that should be able to keep things level. I think the disruption will be minimal and dont think this move in any way, shape, or form will deep six Indiana's season.
I also think Indy won't hesistate for a minute to drop this guy if anything comes up.
I see the Pacers similar to the Red Sox title teams. They're "dirt dogs". They're not necessarily the most talented team in the NBA, but they play really hard, and do the little things.
Andrew Bynum is the opposite of that. I think that adding a prima donna to a good mix of guys can have pretty unpredictable results.
Now, you're probably right that if Bynum acts up, Larry can just send him home, similar to Keith Bogans. I understand the "low risk, high reward" argument. I'm predicting, though, that's it's more like "some risk, no reward".
I think the Pacers have been together long enough and had enough success with together that one bad egg wouldn't hurt them.
Their core is rock solid. Great stability.
I can't see a guy like A.Bynum, especially in a low minute role, having any adverse effect on a squad like that. Now stick him somewhere like Sacramento and things could get messy quick. But not a team like Indiana. Too much leadership and stability (from players to coaches to front office to ownership).
And I think the success is really important. The players there all know what it has taken them to slowly climb that table. And how close they are to winning a Championship. They won't let some newbie 15mpg role player rock that boat. Bynum either buys in, or, he gets kicked out.