By Jordan Heck

@JordanHeckFF

The Indiana Pacers announced Saturday they signed oft-troubled center Andrew Bynum. Star columnist Bob Kravitz says it's a bold, low-risk move by the team, and fans were surprisingly on board with the decision. Back when the rumors first began the overall opinion was "stay away."

Here are some opinions from fans, media professionals and others regarding the Bynum signing.

Charles Dawson: It's interesting how so many people here are totally against this acquisition. Has what the Pacers organization put together not shown that Bird & Co. know how to create a team that is a legitimate contender for the finals? This is not a multi-million dollar, multi-year contract we're talking about here; it IS a test, but not one that I see has any chance of disrupting the team. If he doesn't perform or it he starts to be a problem, he is benched and his contract is not extended into next season...a pretty simple, clear-cut resolution. Bynum knows this. It doesn't take a genius to understands that this is his last, best chance to redeem himself. If he fails here - with the Pacers, a team that has resurrected the real meaning of the word "team" - it will be a rare NBA organization who will think they can do what Bird could not.



This is a solid decision by the Pacers organization, in my opinion. Bynum has the talent to become a monster weapon in the Pacer's arsenal. If we were to wait until he is picked up by another team so he can "prove himself", the opportunity will be lost to the Pacers forever. The Indiana Pacers now has a reputation not for paying out the nose for the established superstars, but in creating superstars. Let's see if they can continue to work their magic with Andrew.

Anthony Roberts: I like the signing! He has the rest of the second half of the season to mold with the 2nd unit. On the other side, if it doesn't work out, it will be gone after the season. IMO it was a win - win situation. Go Pacers!

Preston Corey: I feel this signing does 2 things, 1 it blocks the heat from getting bigger and deeper. 2: it gives the 2nd team more scoring and flexibility. Finally if there are any issues with Bynum they will send him home just like Cleveland. I think the Pacers only increased their chances of getting past the heat and winning their first NBA Championship!

Drew Allen: Love it. Little to no downside. His attitude and effect on our team chemistry are of little concern to me. He surely can be waived easily if he's causing problems. You can't be afraid to make this kind of signing in the NBA, especially in our case -- a small-market franchise with a real shot at a title. Who knows right now if Bynum will help us win it all, but I am supremely confident he won't hinder us on our way there.

John Schubert: I have faith in Larry Bird's decisions more than Andrew Bynum. Bird has built a competitive program by making the right decisions over the past couple of years. There is no reason to think that this was a decision without a lot of thought first.

Doug Knight: He's a cancer.....he's been one everywhere he goes.....the team has great chemistry now....i don't want to do ANYTHING to jeopardize this......I'm concerned Bynum will do just that.