After many months of waiting, the return of Andrew Bynum will happen sooner, rather than later. According to reports, Bynum could be cleared to participate in full contact practice with his Philadelphia teammates as early as next week, and the franchise is hoping he may be on-court by All-Star time. If not, just after the All-Star game is the likely return schedule.

From Philly.com:

After two months of drifting toward last place in the Atlantic Division, the Sixers are ready for some firsts. The biggest one of all will be the first time center Andrew Bynum plays a game, of course, and the organization is more optimistic every day that Bynum's debut is very close. As the Sixers practiced Sunday, Bynum put in his mileage on the zero gravity treadmill. He has been participating in shootarounds on game days and also taking part in noncontact drills on the court.

According to general manager Tony DiLeo, the team believes that Bynum could begin full practice by the end of this week and might be in uniform shortly thereafter barring a setback to his creaky knees.

"We're hoping for the first of February for practice," DiLeo said. "But we have to just wait and see how it goes. He's done a lot of work, but he hasn't had to go hard and stop and start. That will be important."

The coaching staff has ramped up its preparation for getting Bynum into a game, and throughout the organization there is a giddy sense, whether warranted or not, that it will happen surprisingly soon.

Image via: YONG KIM