Newly-signed Indiana Pacers center Andrew Bynum dismissed doubts about his fire to play competitive basketball as he met the media for the first team since signing with the Eastern Conference leaders.
"I mean, people have opinions, I don't respond to it," Bynum said as quoted by USA Today. "I just go out and play. "
He continued: "Again, that's what they're going to say. All I can do is go play hard and put points by your name, that's it."
Bynum's desire to continue playing competitive basketball has been questioned by many observers as he has failed to show the form that once made him the league's most feared post presence. Weeks before the Cleveland Cavaliers suspended and eventually traded him to the Chicago Bulls, Bynum admitted that he was considering retirement because of his chronic knee issues.
Bynum also addressed his stint with the Cavaliers, saying: "It wasn't that it didn't work, it's just the atmosphere over there wasn't the one that kind of promoted positive energy in wanting to come in and really - it was just tough at the end of the day."
He also added: "There's really nothing to be said about it. They did everything they could for me and I went there and worked hard, got myself into shape and that was the goal."
His coach Frank Vogel said they are not rushing the 7-footer, giving him a week or two of practice to get acclimated with the Pacers' playbook. Bynum's first practice with the team was light, as he only participated in shooting drills.
"We just talked about (whether he) is still hungry, that he still does want to play," Vogel said. "He wants to work and we believe that. We believe that he was in a bad situation the last place he was at and believe it will work here."
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