<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LONG BEACH -- For the second day in a row, it seemed like everyone in Los Angeles County tried to jam into the Pyramid to see the "Boy Wonder" at the Summer Pro League. On Saturday, in front of a capacity crowd of 5,000, Andrew Bynum displayed nice footwork in the post and a shooting touch around the basketball en route to scoring 16 points during 29 minutes of work to help the Lakers defeat the Dallas Mavericks 118-89. Bynum said he felt more comfortable than in his first professional game Friday against Memphis. Friday, he had 12 points and nine rebounds. "Coming out of high school, the speed is a hundred times (faster)," he said. "I'm getting used to it. I'm getting in better shape. I thought I did a pretty good job of going up and down the court." But how is he adjusting to the competition? "All the guys are my height," Bynum said. "It's different banging up against guys my size. I've got to get used to it. But that comes with lifting weights and getting stronger. I'll be ready later in the year." Second-round gems: The Lakers made a couple of steals in the second round of the NBA Draft, especially Ronny Turiaf, the 6-foot-10 power forward from Gonzaga. He was extremely active Saturday, taking charges and hard fouls, grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring 26 points on monster dunks and layups in the post to the delight of the crowd. Von Wafer, also a second-round pick, had his moments as well. The 6-foot-4 guard, who doesn't lack confidence when it comes to shooting, went 3 for 6 and scored nine points in 23 minutes.</div> Source Glad to see the Laker rookies are off to a nice start. I like Bynum's comments and has the right approach by realizing it's going to take time to adjust instead of forcing the issue.
Hopefully the guys will start getting some confidence and assurence from these SPL games, that will carry them through training camp and into the season. Even though they are only SPL games, its a building experience that could only help them.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Jumpman:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm starting to love Turiaf. 26 points and 11 rebounds, that real good for a rookie.</div> With Bynum, you guys just better hope that you have a quick learner. He says he's adjusting to the faster pace, and he says he's going to get stronger, but I'll believe that when I see it. I was looking at some of the pictures that shapecity posted in the other thread, and it looked like Bynum was the same height as Lawrence Roberts, who is 6-7. Does anyone think they could have stretched the truth about his height?
Yeah, it was obvious that Bynum is still adjusting to playing against bigger bodies. I would definitely describe Bynum's game as "raw" right now which of course is expected since he's only 17. He did a great job stepping out to defend the picks and helping out on defense. Turiaf is a stud and fans are gonna love him. Hopefully PJ will give him good opportunities this year cuz this kid can contribute immediately. Smush was playing well until the 4th quarter when he was getting his butt whooped guarding the Mav's quick PG #3.
Bynum does look shorter than 7'0 feet, that's for sure, I'll get a close up look tomorrow and post up some pics. He'll be going up against Pape Sow, who is listed at 6'10. I'll try to get a pic with them next to each other to see if Bynum is taller. I will say this, Bynum needs to do A LOT of work on his upper body. He needs to chisel off that baby fat and get wider in the shoulder and chest area. If he can get stronger and learn how to use leverage and positioning, he's going to be a solid pro. I agree with Voodoo Child, he needs to be a quick study. They said he moved better than Chris Mihm in just a couple days in the Triangle. It was encouraging, but Chris Mihm seems to be slow at everything. Lawrence Roberts and Hakim Warrick took advantage of Bynum's inexperience in the game. Warrick just missed on a nasty swat as well. I'm not surprised Roberts destroyed him on the glass, he is a work horse and is great at boxing out and timing missed shots.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">I was looking at some of the pictures that shapecity posted in the other thread, and it looked like Bynum was the same height as Lawrence Roberts, who is 6-7. Does anyone think they could have stretched the truth about his height?</div> nah, it must have been the angles in the pics... The day after the draft, FSW(?) had a short interview with Bynum while standing on a basketball court...at the end of the interview, they asked Bynum to reach up to the basket, and standing flat-footed (in his dress shoes), he was about an inch or two away from touching the rim... Reports have him at about 6'11'' - 7'0'' with a 7'4'' wingspan...if he can get that close to the rim, then i would have to think those measurements are fairly accurate...
Turiaf is going to be a special..lakers made a great pick by gettin Turiaf in the 2nd round..Lakers have a great future!!!
I can't wait to see how this Laker team is going to play this season. Hopefully Turiaf can have a good season, maybe giving what Haslem gave in his rookie season. But honestly i'm waiting to see what happens to Bynum. He went to my friend's school, and seeing another guy in the NBA from around the area is exciting. Hopefully all goes well with him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">With Bynum, you guys just better hope that you have a quick learner. He says he's adjusting to the faster pace, and he says he's going to get stronger, but I'll believe that when I see it. I was looking at some of the pictures that shapecity posted in the other thread, and it looked like Bynum was the same height as Lawrence Roberts, who is 6-7. Does anyone think they could have stretched the truth about his height?</div> lawrence roberts is 6'9