Pacers sign Andrew Bynum; Miami Heat react

March 4, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum (17) controls the ball against the defense of Miami Heat center Dexter Pittman (45) and small forward LeBron James (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

One thing’s for sure. If you’re going to beat the Indiana Pacers, you’re going to have to overcome their overwhelming amount of size, and depth, that they now have in their frontcourt.

As it was, the Pacers were already solid up front with David West, Roy Hibbert, Luis Scola and Ian Mahinmi. Now, throw in Andrew Bynum, and it becomes insane.

The signing of Bynum became official on Saturday, after a report by ESPN came out late on Friday that Bynum was in Indiana and ready to sign a contract. Saturday, the details of the contract became public — and were basically what we all expected. The Pacers signed Bynum for the rest of the season for about $1 million.

“We are obviously happy to have him join our team,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird in a statement. “He gives us added size, he is a skilled big man and he has championship experience. With the minutes he gets, he should be a valuable addition.”

However, ever since Bynum was released, after being traded to the Chicago Bulls, it was expected that the Miami Heat would be one of the frontrunners to sign the former top center. And even though the Pacers were never the “clear favorites” they got it done. Some would say that perhaps the biggest reason the Pacers made the move was only to keep them away from the Heat.

What you say Larry Bird?

"[Pacers.com]Bird scoffed at the notion that the Pacers might be signing Bynum merely to keep him away from Miami or other contending teams.“We don’t have the money to throw around and let them sit on our bench,” he said. “That’s about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”"

Even though it’s exactly what you would expect Bird to say, it’s interesting to say the least. But how did the Miami Heat react after learning of the hire?

Basically, everything you’d expect the Heat to say. With that said, it’s not wrong — in any way — to say that this Bynum signing raises more questions more than it answers. It’ll be interesting to see what type of role Pacers coach Frank Vogel finds for Bynum.

I really don’t know how he improves, or fits, on this team. Then again, if he’s motivated, he can be very dangerous. That’s one huge big “if”, though.