Will Andrew Bynum make the Cleveland Cavaliers playoff contenders?

Andrew Bynum speaks to the media after being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Philadelphia 76ers on August 15, 2012 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The centre is on the verge on signing with the Cavs. (Getty Images)

It was reported late Wednesday (July 10) afternoon that oft-injured two-time NBA champion Andrew Bynum has agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Only $6 million of the $24.5 million is guaranteed as it was reported that Bynum’s contract states that he has to meet certain requirements (with playing time and games played) to receive the remainder of the money.

Many critics will speculate whether this was a good deal for the Cavaliers. When healthy, Bynum is certainly in the conversation for best centre in the NBA.

A tremendous force around the rim, he had his best season with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011-12, averaging close to 19 points and 12 rebounds before he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the deal that made Dwight Howard a Laker.

He won two rings while wearing the purple and gold, but gained a reputation for having a lackadaisical attitude and leading a wild personal lifestyle. This reputation was further solidified as he missed the entire 2012-13 season as a result of chronic knee problems, aggravated by a “bowling accident” midway through the season.

Now, paired with All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, if healthy, Bynum could revitalise this Cavaliers squad and make Cleveland an appealing destination for LeBron James during the wildly heralded free agent class of 2014.

One of the remaining “true” centres in the league, Bynum is a legitimate seven-footer who has a soft touch around the rim and is a strong rebounder. His defense is comparable to that of Roy Hibbert, Dwight Howard and Tyson Chandler (two being former Defensive Players of the Year) as his long arms have the ability to alter shots and protect the rim.

He is a decent free-throw shooter, shooting close to 70% for his career, a trait that is usually uncommon amongst big men. His biggest issue is undoubtedly his ability to remain healthy throughout the course of a season. He has not played all 82 games of a season since 06-07’, with the most being 65 in 09-10’.

He has had problems with both knees and his inability to recover from those problems is the main reasons only three teams showed real interest in him this offseason (Dallas, Cleveland and Atlanta). However, Bynum cleared Cleveland’s medical exams and is on track to join the team camp before the start of the season.

With a potential starting line-up of Irving running the point, scoring machine Dion Waiters and high-flying Alonzo Gee as the wing players, and an inside duo of number one pick Anthony Bennett and Andrew Bynum, it is within the realm of reality that the Cleveland Cavaliers make a strong push in the playoffs this upcoming season, if everyone remains healthy that is.