Andrew Bynum practiced with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday for the first time this season, and despite all the optimism it brought, Doug Collins was adamant the center is not even close to returning.

"He looked like a guy who hadn't played in nine months," Collins said. "I don't think any bells and whistles should be sent off that he's close to playing."

Bynum, who has yet to play this season due to his ailing knees, has said he expects to make a comeback at some point. Collins made it clear, however, that any type of return seems to be slipping away.

"It's amazing seeing him standing out there; he distorted the whole practice," Collins said. "You get visions of what might've been ... He's said that he's going to play, but this season is slipping away. We've got 24 games after (this weekend). We're eight (games) under .500, and we've got to play the Miami Heat four times."