Collins says Bynum not close to playing

Philadelphia 76ers big man Andrew Bynum has been missing all season long. It's due to injury so it's not like he's been underachieving all season. Bynum says he plans on returning this season, but head coach Doug Collins says Bynum's not close to playing at all.

After Bynum practiced with the team Friday, Collins wasn't thrilled about the possibility of Bynum coming back and concluded that this has been a lost season.

"He looked like a guy who hadn't played in nine months," Collins said. "I don't think any bells and whistles should be sent off that he's close to playing."

"It's amazing seeing him standing out there; he distorted the whole practice," Collins said. "You get visions of what might've been ... He's said that he's going to play, but this season is slipping away. We've got 24 games after (this weekend). We're eight (games) under .500, and we've got to play the Miami Heat four times."

It almost sounds as if Collins is throwing in the towel for this season.

The Sixers are battling for the eighth spot in the eastern Conference but are in danger of missing the playoffs. It would've helped if they had a healthy Bynum all season. Even for half a season. But right now Bynum might be better served just sitting out the rest of this season and trying to come back strong next year.