(Associated Press)

Andrew Bynum said neither the 76ers' record nor his free-agent status at the end of the season will impact his decision to return prematurely. He said he could practice in 1-to-2 weeks.

The injured center said Tuesday, after the team's practice at PCOM, that the pain he's experiencing in his left knee did not keep him from an intense, 80-minute workout. He said it's something he'll just have to learn how to deal with.

Also, Bynum said he has not considered missing the entire season.

“After you play in this league for quite some time, I think you just wind up getting used to things and this is something I have to get used to,” Bynum said. “It's been worse than now, but it's getting better. I was able to do my entire workout today. It was painful, but I could push through it. It didn't linger like it did in the past.”

Bynum said returning to the court is more to do with tolerating pain than removing it. He said he has an appointment Wednesday with Dr. Jonathan Glashow, the orthopaedic surgeon in New York City who operated on Jason Richardson.

“I'll see Glashow tomorrow,” Bynum said. “Dr. Glashow, who's working with J-Rich right now. Hopefully – he says he's got some new software or something. It shows what's going on. Just waiting to see what he says.”

For more on Bynum, pick up Wednesday's Daily Times.

(Christopher A. Vito)

Andrew Bynum found a new rebounding buddy, but the 76ers' injured center is still engaging only in 1-on-0 workouts.

Bynum participated in post-practice shooting drills Friday at PCOM, with Kwame Brown serving as his rebounding partner. Bynum attempted shots from spots all over the floor, anywhere from under the rim to around the 3-point arc.

Earlier this week, Bynum said he couldn't find a reason why he wouldn't debut for the Sixers before the end of the month.

“I can't wait for that moment he says, 'Coach, I'm ready to go. Put me out there. Let's play,'” Sixers coach Doug Collins said of Bynum. “His activity level has picked up in practice. He still isn't doing anything with the team. It's still 1-on-0, but he is starting to move around a little bit, which is encouraging.” (VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP)


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