Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird has insisted that Andrew Bynum can contribute to their bid to win the NBA title.

Bynum's move to the Pacers was confirmed on the weekend, and Bird is eager to praise the 26-year-old, who has struggled with knee injuries in recent seasons.

"He's 26 years old and this has been his life for a long time." Bird told reporters.

"You hear all the negativity but I never just take somebody else's advice or what they have to say about them. I like to find out on my own.

"He's big, he can help us and that's all that matters."

Bynum was waived by the Chicago Bulls in January after being traded to them from the Cleveland Cavaliers.