Paul Abell-US PRESSWIRE
Will Bynum could wind up being one of the NBA’s top players off the bench this season. He just needs Detroit Pistons coach Lawrence Frank to extend his playing time and prove that he’s as valuable as the franchise claims he is.
Bynum has never seemed to be comfortable as a starter but has his moments coming off the bench. Frank’s job this season is simply to make sure Bynum has more of those moments.
In 232 career games, Bynum has only started 26 times but has a respectable 43.8 percent shooting percentage, not bad for being usually a perimeter shooter, and he’s averaging 7.7 points and 3.1 assists per game. Ironically, Bynum has hit only a quarter of his 3-pointers but has been able to be consistent from closer range.
“Every time he came in, he made some great plays,” Frank said after one game.
For Bynum, it’s all in a day’s work.
“It’s basketball,” he says. “I’ve been playing basketball since I was five years old. You have ups and downs; it’s just a part of the game. It’s just playing through it and knowing your ability. I know what I can do and I have the utmost confidence in myself. I never lose that regardless of whatever happens.”
Bynum has the knack for knowing when to pull the trigger on his shots and when to hold back.
“I had an opportunity and it’s being in the right place at the right time and putting work in and those moments happen,” he said.
Forward Jonas Jeribko agrees.
“Will was great out there, dishing the ball out and finding the open man and taking it to the rack,” Bynum said. “He did a great job.”
It’s likely Bynum will do the job again. He needs to spell Brandon Knight every now and then and make sure the Pistons don’t miss a beat when he’s on the court instead.
