Andrew Bynum Introduced By Cleveland Cavaliers, Says Cavs Is A Playoff Team Next Season

Andrew Bynum was officially introduced as the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at the team's training facility in Independence, Ohio.

Bynum, who missed the entire 2012-13 NBA season due to recurring knee injuries on both knees, signed a two-year deal, potentially worth $24 million.

The Cavs guaranteed $6 million for the first year with the potential of having additional $6 million from performance-based incentives, while the team holds a $12-million team option in the second year of the deal.

When introduced by Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant, the 25-year-old center expressed confidence with his new team, saying that they are ready to contend for a playoff spot in the 2013-14 NBA season.

"This is definitely a playoff team. I'm really excited about this roster," said Bynum, who will be wearing No. 21 jersey next season.

The All-Star center underwent surgery on both knees last month. Bynum quashed doubts on his knees, saying that he has been medically cleared to practice by the start of training camp and he is confident that the Cavaliers medical staff will help him get back to his old form.

"The Cavs so far have given me every opportunity to succeed. The medical staff is great. They've put together a plan going forward. I pretty much just show up and work hard. I really believe in the doctors here and in the training staff. I'm in a different place because after the surgery I feel a lot better than I did last year. With time off, I've been able to get the swelling out," Bynum said.

Bynum will be reunited with former Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown. Under Brown, Bynum had arguably the best season of his career as he averaged 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds during the 2011-12 season.

Bynum also appeared in his first All-Star game that season and Grant is hoping that Brown and Bynum will rediscover their fruitful player-coach relationship.

"His talent, size and experience clearly have the potential to very positively impact our team. He has the ability to strengthen the foundation we are creating and continue to be very excited about. At the same time, we are fully aware of where he is in his journey to get back on the court and will provide every resource possible to support and enhance this process," Grant said in a statement released on the Cavaliers' official website.

Earlier this month, the Cavaliers also introduced new acquisitions Jarrett Jack and Earl Clark. The Cavaliers also selected former UNLV star Anthony Bennett as the first-overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Russian forward Sergey Karasev as the 19th overall pick, and former Arizona State standout Carrick Felix as the 33rd-overall pick.