Cleveland Cavaliers welcome Andrew Bynum

Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum says he's making steady progress toward returning this season

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Given that green traditionally means go, it's great news for Cavaliers fans when new center Andrew Bynum says his rehabilitation has "all been green.''

In an exclusive interview with The Plain Dealer, his first since the press conference announcing his signing on July 19, Bynum said he's on schedule to return this season and there have been no setbacks since he started working out at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in late July.

"I moved here a week after the press conference, I've been here ever since -- day in and day out just working,'' he said, referring to the team's practice facility. "I'm there, focused. I'm doing everything I can do to get back. That's what all this is all about for me right now. I just want to play."

After being sent from the Los Angeles Lakers to Philadelphia as part of the Dwight Howard trade before last season, Bynum missed the entire year with a variety of knee problems that culminated in surgery on both knees last March. The 7-0 Bynum, who was an All-Star in 2012, joined the Cavs as a free agent, signing an incentive-laden two-year, $24 million contract with just $6 million guaranteed the first year and a team option for the second.

Both sides entered the deal with their eyes wide open, but General Manager Chris Grant says Bynum has done everything the team's doctors and athletic training staff asked.

"We've been very impressed with Andrew's work ethic and diligence in this process,'' Grant said. "He's doing everything possible to get back on the court as quickly as he can.''

Notice that Grant did not put a date on Bynum's return. While the team thinks it would be great if he was ready for the start of training camp on Oct. 1, if he doesn't hit that exact date, it doesn't mean he's behind schedule.

"It's a fluid process,'' Bynum said. "I have no idea what the schedule's going to be for me. But I'm doing everything I can to be ready. I think with the program that has been made up, we have a good chance.

"I'm optimistic I'm where I should be. Obviously, I want to be playing. But I'm taking baby steps, doing what the team and the doctors tell me. I'm doing my part. I come to work every day. I'm moving in the right direction.''

While he has not been cleared for full-court basketball, he does drills with Vitaly Potapenko, the former Cav who is part of the team's development staff. Bynum does one of three set workouts for three hours a day, six days a week. As a result, his weight has dropped from 305 to 292 -- just a few pounds from his goal of playing in the 280s -- and his body fat has decreased from 12 percent to 9.5. Observers say he is punishing the machines in the team's workout facility, home to some notoriously hard workers.

One day he concentrates on off-balance leg work, with upper body work, basketball and cardiovascular work. Another day is devoted to strength training, lower-body work, basketball and cardio. The third day he does a lighter leg workout in the pool.

His favorite day? The strength training day.

"I feel I get the best work in and I'm the most tired afterward,'' said Bynum, who has been so impressed with the staff and facilities that he has not felt the need to bring in his own personal trainer.

If he's not too tired, he's been getting out and exploring his new hometown. He said fans have been very supportive.

"Right now, there's a lot of love,'' he said. "They're just excited that we definitely can do something this year, and I agree with them. We've got a good team.''

And when they ask how he's doing?

"I'm good,'' he said with a smile.