National Basketball Association

Cavs C Bynum's knees improving

Published Oct. 18, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum has been playing in 3-on-3 games and is ''close'' to practicing with his new team.

Bynum, who did not play last season for Philadelphia because of knee injuries and surgeries, has made good progress and Cleveland coach Mike Brown said the 7-foot-center could begin practicing with the Cavaliers in the near future. Brown said Bynum looked good in half-court workouts this week and has been impressed by the former All-Star's work ethic.

Bynum sat on Cleveland's bench for the first half of Thursday's exhibition win over Pistons. Brown does not know if Bynum will be cleared in time to play in any of Cleveland's final four preseason games. The Cavs open the regular season on Oct. 30 against Brooklyn.

Bynum signed a two-year, $25 million contract with the Cavs in July. Only one year of the deal is guaranteed.