"There is not a movement Andrew Bynum makes publicly that people don't hang on, whether it is going bowling, shooting pop-o-shot, walking fast-paced on the treadmill or as he was Monday afternoon, doing standstill shooting at the Sixers' practice facility with coaches and members of the front office and training staff all watching.

"Coming along well," Bynum said with sweat on his brow. "I am up to running now on the AlterG Anti-Gravity treadmill at a steady eight mile an hour clip for 20 minutes, so that's good. Incorporating weights ... it's time to get ready, getting ready to play."

Yes, the all-star center used the words "getting ready to play."

The Sixers have played 38 games without him and are 16-22, four games back of Milwaukee and Boston, which are tied for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

Bynum last Monday said he was walking fast-paced on the treadmill and lifting only his own body weight. That he has added to the degree of difficulty in both areas and taken to the court, albeit by himself, is encouraging news.

Add to that he is pain-free in both knees and one understands the smile Bynum was wearing after his shooting was over.