Fans were allowed to take part in the press conference for (Andrew) Bynum and new teammate Jason Richardson, and they gave their new heroes a welcome worthy of Philly sports heroes like Julius Erving and even the fictitious Rocky Balboa.

“It makes me super-excited,” said Bynum of the enthusiastic welcome. “They’re definitely passionate fans. I’m very passionate about my game. I’m going to play with a high level of intensity and leave it out there. Hopefully, they can match my energy and keep me going. From the looks of it, they came out in a big way to support us; it’s amazing. I’ve actually never seen anything like this, to be honest, and I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s going to be like in a sold out arena.”

The big question now, before we even get to the start of a new season, is whether or not Bynum will commit to the Sixers long-term when the time comes between now and next summer. Nothing is guaranteed at this point, and it makes sense for Bynum to wait until next summer to negotiate a new deal, but he’s already thinking about staying.

“To be honest, my first experience here has been so great, I’m really leaning towards making this my home,” Bynum said. “I’m not the kind of guy who wants to be all around, have a lot of teams under my belt. I don’t know, man. That’s really the answer man, I’m really leaning towards staying.”

via Bill Ingram of HOOPSWORLD