Andrew Bynum has finally emerged from Kobe Bryant’s shadow, after 7 seasons and 2 NBA Titles, and is set to begin life as a Philadelphia 76er. The 2011-2012 campaign was far and away Bynum’s healthiest and most productive season in the NBA. He only missed 1 game, while averaging 18.7 pts, 11.8 rbs and 1.9 blks per contest. Among centers, only Dwight Howard stands between Bynum and the top.

The 76ers plan to feature Bynum and run their entire offense through him. They will have a good, young team around him and another productive big man, Spencer Hawes, beside him. Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant helped Bynum find himself in a lot of 1-on-1 isolation situations as a Laker. That will not be the case in Philly. He will need to work on fending off the double team, which he has struggled with in the past. You can expect a bit of a learning curve there, but at just 24 years of age Bynum still has a lot room for improvement.

With Bynum in the fold, the 76ers have shifted their attention to locking him up long term. The fans have welcomed the 7 foot superstar with arms wide open, trying to make him feel at home. In reality, Bynum is closer to his home than he would be with any other NBA franchise. He was born in Plainsboro, New Jersey, which is actually slightly closer to Philadelphia than Brooklyn. Bynum has already stated that he is definitely open to making Philly his home. That being said, no contract is extension is imminent.

While Philadelphia is not yet an elite team, they are a lot closer to being one than they were before making this trade. They should be considered in the 2nd tier of contenders, after the Heat, Thunder, Lakers and Bulls, and should compete for home court advantage in Round 1 of the playoffs. Bynum could easily be the difference maker in a best of 7 series next spring, so the Philadelphia faithful have reason to be optimistic. After a decade long hiatus from relevancy, it may be their time to shine once again.

*Photo by Al Dia News on Flickr*