3 Ways the Philadelphia 76ers Can Embrace Andrew Bynum

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

After spending most of his young career in Los Angeles, Andrew Bynum finds himself on a new team in a new city.

Bynum's tremendous talent will give the Philadelphia 76ers a piece to build around for the future, and they are getting closer to becoming a legitimate contender. 

With a young core and their newly acquired big man, Philly has a bright future ahead of themselves.

Here are three ways the 76ers can embrace Andrew Bynum.

Let Him Go to Work

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Last season, one of the Sixers' biggest necessities was a true post-up threat that could command double teams.

Although Elton Brand spent most of his time camped on the baseline or on the block, he was too inconsistent to be a legitimate threat; and as a result, the Sixers struggled with stagnancy in their half-court sets.

Now that they have Bynum, he will command double teams on a nightly basis, and aside from a handful of bigs in the league, he will go to work on most centers.

The Sixers run a very pass heavy offense that makes use of ball movement, and at times, they will have to trust Bynum to score baskets and pass when doubled.

By letting Bynum get a lot of touches, it will give him confidence that he is truly embraced within the offense. 

Encourage Him to Be the Leader

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

When Andre Iguodala was still with the Sixers, he was often seen as the de facto leader of sorts. 

Now that he's gone, the Sixers will look for Bynum to step up and lead the team. 

In the past, Bynum has been prone to act in an objectionable matter, but now that he finds himself at the center (quite literally) of a team in need of a clear leader, he needs to step up and mature as an individual and team captain. 

Bynum has the ability and personality to set the tone in a positive manner, and if he can coexist with head coach Doug Collins and his teammates, they will certainly embrace him as their new leader in the locker room. 

Nurture the Growth of His Supporting Cast

Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Although Bynum definitely changes the team's strategy in the half-court, the 76ers still have a potent transition offense that includes Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday.

Both Turner and Holiday will still get their opportunities on the break following misses or turnovers, but the half-court game will be much easier thanks to Bynum. 

With Bynum down low, it will provide Holiday with way more looks behind the arc, and Turner will get more mid-range looks and continue to develop as a solid all around scorer.

Spencer Hawes will also welcome the attention Bynum attracts from opposing defenses considering he'll benefit from being left open while Bynum gets doubled.

Veteran three-point marksman Jason Richardson will also get plenty of looks thanks to the addition of Bynum. Overall, the entire starting five will have an easier job.

Their young, talented core ensures the Sixers will have a solid roster for years to come, and as the season progresses, they will only get better and develop a closer chemistry.