Bynum progressing well, but no return date yet

Published Oct. 18, 2013 1:30 a.m. ET

foxsports

CLEVELAND -- With the regular season two weeks away, the Cavaliers still aren't certain (or at least aren't saying) when Andrew Bynum will play.

But things are beginning to seem a bit more promising lately.

Bynum was spotted walking off the floor, his practice gear drenched in sweat, along with his teammates earlier this week. He didn't participate in an all-out regular practice, but he was on the court, and he was playing basketball. That's actually been somewhat of a regular occurrence since the Cavs signed the 7-footer in July.

Then, following the Cavs' 96-84 preseason win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, coach Mike Brown indicated Bynum could be getting close to the real deal. At least, Bynum could be when the idea is a real practice.

"This is just my opinion, but I think he's getting close," Brown said.

The coach added: "We just want to make sure that we're cautious with this thing and we"re handling it the right way.

"Andrew has done a great job. We're excited about his progress and where he's at."

The Cavs have four preseason games left, before opening the regular season Oct. 30 vs. the Brooklyn Nets. When Brown was asked if Bynum might play in the preseason, he said, "I don't know. We're not going to rush him."

Bynum missed all of last season with knee issues following a trade that sent him from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Philadelphia 76ers.

In his final season with the Lakers, Bynum had a career year, averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds while playing 60 of a possible 66 regular-season games under Brown.

Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO