Can Andrew Bynum Shine as Sixers Superstar?

He's not Julius Erving.

No one will ever be able to claim the fame that Dr. J. received when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers, leading them to an NBA Championship game in his first season in the mid-1970s.

But can new acquisition Andrew Bynum be the next Sixers superstar?

Based on the showing of Philly fans Wednesday for Bynum's press conference, this could be a match made in heaven.

The center, acquired from the Los Angeles, will be the man here. And he may be it here longer if he decides to sign a contract extension. (Bynum is in the final year of his contract.)

"My experience here so far has been great that I'm leaning toward making this my home," Bynum told the crowd, which screamed with excitement.

Bynum has put up strong numbers as one of the top centers in the league.

But he's no Moses Malone. Or is he the second coming?

Next to Dwight Howard, he's probably the second best in the league. And he's also probably the best center the Sixers have on their roster since Malone.

We haven't seen many tears shed for the loss of long-time player Andre Iguodala, who seemed to have "Trade Me" stamped on his forehead basically from his arrival here.

Iggy just never clicked with the fan base. Bynum, meanwhile, has already eaten some cheesesteaks.

For the Sixers, getting Bynum -- even as a year rental -- puts the franchise in the spotlight. It also might make the team the second best in the East, behind the NBA champs Miami Heat.

With Bynum joined by a talent pool including Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner along with Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes, Lavoy Allen and newcomers Dorell Wright, Nick Young, Kwame Brown, Jason Richardson and rookie Arnett Moultrie, the Sixers should be a force to be reckoned with.

So Bynum will be a shining star?

Will he be among the elite like Erving, Maurice Cheeks, Wilt, Moses, Allen Iverson and Charles Barkley?

This season will be a true test for Bynum and the Sixers.

If he rises to the challenge, maybe the Sixers will rise to once again become champions.