“Just wait until Bynum comes back” was the Laker fan slogan before, during, and after a Finals series that felt more like a six game sweep than a hard fought four-two defeat. The reliance of Laker fans on Bynum’s return, because of the small sample of play that he’s provided us with, has been mocked endlessly. In some ways it’s understandable. Actually, if going by Bynum’s career stats, it’s completely understandable.

What isn’t understandable however, is how anyone can think this is any different than assuming the Portland Trail Blazers will be a much improved ballclub when Greg Oden returns. After all, hasn’t Greg Oden provided us with an even smaller sampling of his capabilities in the professional ranks than Bynum? And while Oden obviously has the potential to be amazing, he certainly didn’t dominate the colligate game the way some assumed he would. To be fair, he was playing with an injured wrist, but that only further speaks to the fact that the guy can’t seem to stay healthy.

 [Stats don't seem to be working on this site, check 'em out on LA Hoops Blog]

One of the above players is Andrew Bynum. The other two are Michael Beasley and Greg Oden, neither of whom has played a second pro ball during the regular season. We have a smart readership base, I’ll let all of you figure out who is who. The point of it all is, if you expect a solid season from Greg Oden next season in terms of the affect he’ll have on his respective team, I don’t see how you can try to diminish the impact Bynum will have on his respective team considering Bynum has done what he’s done at the professional level, whereas Oden’s production was put to shame this past season by a FORWARD.

Continued at [LA Hoops Blog]