Mar 1, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Byron Mullens (22) controls the ball while defended by Utah Jazz power forward Derrick Favors (15) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena . Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

At 11.6 points per game and 38.6% from the field, fourth-year forward Byron Mullens leads all Charlotte Bobcats big men in scoring. Mullens has started 40 games for the Bobcats after winning the job in preseason, and will enter restricted free agency this summer after the Bobcats decided not to offer him an extension before the October deadline.

Mullens is making $2.25 million this season and at age 24 could make a reasonable case for a raise on his next contract. Will the Bobcats be the team to give him a new deal?

In the offseason, we wondered what exactly Mullens could do to prove he was a long-term component of the Bobcats rebuilding plan. Efficiency was the main problem. Mullens below-average field goal percentage, quick shot tendencies, and inability to get to the line are the culprits of his mediocre scoring efficiency.

Despite adding a three-point shot during the offseason, which he’s hitting at a 31.4% clip, Mullens is smoke and mirrors as a scorer. He doesn’t show much, if any post moves, despite being seven-foot, and around 270 lbs. A lot of the times it seems Mullens just doesn’t realize how good he could be offensively, when he’s settling for three-pointers in half-court sets.

Mullens is still a project. In four seasons he’s played 135 games, 109 of which have been in a Bobcats uniform. He was bench fodder on the Oklahoma City Thunder before being dealt to Charlotte for a second round draft choice. This is his first 82-game season, and it’s worthwhile to mention that he’s had three head coaches in four seasons so far.

If Mullens ever grazes the ceiling of his potential, he’s easily a starting power forward in the NBA. When he’s on, he’s a mismatch nightmare with his size and ability to step out behind the three-point line. He can create driving lanes for Kemba Walker and also be an effective weapon in pick and pop. In today’s NBA, the value of a stretch power forward is huge. The league has really adapted to that European style of play, and the game is about spacing more than it’s ever been.

One thing that potential has showed us over time is that it can result in front office blunders. The Bobcats re-signed Tyrus Thomas under the trance that he would live up to his potential in Charlotte following a change of scenery from Chicago. Coincidentally Thomas was 24 when the Bobcats gave him a five-year, $40 million contract, and had four head coaches in his first four seasons. Now Thomas is being viewed as a likely victim of the amnesty provision in the offseason, after failing to live up to his contract. The Bobcats can’t afford a similar situation.

If the Bobcats can upgrade their frontcourt with a player like Al Jefferson, Josh Smith or Paul Millsap, then keeping Mullens doesn’t become a priority. If they decide to save their funds, build through the draft and inexpensive free agent signings, then retaining Mullens would be smart. It’s tough finding a fair comparison for Mullens as a restricted free agent. He could range anywhere from a Kosta Koufos extension at three years, $9 million to a Brandon Bass salary of three years, $19.3 million. A deal in that neighborhood doesn’t cripple the Bobcats financial commitment and allows them to further testdrive Mullens. There’s a fair argument to be given for both sides on Mullens future with the Bobcats. Because of that it will definitely come down to price to determine his spot here.

Dec 12, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward center Byron Mullens (22) fights for the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamar Odom (7) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Clippers win 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Monday night against the Celtics, Byron Mullens posted a career best 18 rebounds in a 94-91 win.

It may have shocked some, but those who’ve watched Seven-feet-of-smooth this year, especially after he’s come back from his injury, know that it was only a matter of time before he went off like that.

He’s averaging just over eight boards per game this season, and since his return at the start of February, he’s averaged just shy of 10 boards per game.

He’s gone over 10 rebounds in two of the five games he’s played since coming back, and grabbed seven or more in four of those contests.

Mullens averaged just five rebounds last season in about 23 minutes per game. This year, his minutes have gone up, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of his rebounding surge this year.

His true rebound percentage has increased by almost two points from 12.8 last season to 14.7 this season. His defensive rebound percentage has gone up five points from around 19 percent last year to around 24 percent this year.

I’m not sure if that means he’s getting smarter, more aggressive, or more powerful. All I know is that a Seven-feet-of-smooth who can grab close to 10 boards a game is a guy I’d want on my team.

For as much junk as I talk about Mullens, he’s still a young guy, he’s getting better, and he’s the best rebounder on a horrible rebounding team.

December 26, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol (16) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a popular daytime television show enjoyed my many Baby Boomers, as well as Wayne Brady fans, across America.

Let’s Make A Deal has provided everyone through the years with laughter and enjoyment as people dressed in goofy attire hope to win big by risking what they have on various games of chance.  It’s about time Charlotte got in on the fun.

I’m all for Charlotte continuing to improve through the NBA Draft as the team continues to follow GM Rich Cho’s idea of growing together to form a powerhouse out of the Southeast Division.  Yet I can’t stand the idea of watching missed opportunities for the Cats to get something in return with so many expiring contracts still on the books.

Currently, Charlotte has four players under contract in the last year of their respective deals, and the odds are against all of them for making a return to the team next year (SG Gerald Henderson, SF Reggie Williams, PF/C Byron Mullens, C DeSagana Diop).  While all players can add something to any team in the league (slashing, defensive guard; 3-point specialist on the wing; big-man who stretches the floor; big-man who clogs the lane and eats up minutes), none have shown major offensive improvements this season for a team that sorely needs them.  Mullens is the only one of the four to improve his shooting numbers throughout this season (11.6 ppg as opposed to 9.3 ppg); however, his field-goal percentage has taken an unfortunate dip in the process (.425% to .371%).

With this in mind, it’s time Charlotte started shopping these players in the hopes of getting draft picks in return, or other players with expiring contracts that better fit Charlotte’s new team motto of “Tougher Faster Stronger” than the current group of players with one-year-remaining contracts.

Yet trading one-year players for other one-year players seems slightly insignificant if Charlotte is to actually try to build for the future; simply replacing athletes for another four months won’t help the team beyond May.  Instead, it’s time the good men of the Bobcats’ front office made a run at a legitimate powerhouse player.

A player who can help Charlotte to fulfill the team motto of “Tougher Faster Stronger”.

A player who can bring experience to a young team, and who’s under contract for at least the next two seasons.

A player whose trade stock has plummeted as of late, making now one of the only times Charlotte could make a significant run at him.

Ladies and gentleman, your newest Charlotte Bobcat: Pau Gasol.

Gasol brings everything Charlotte finds themselves without: experience (regular season and playoff), size, strength, rebounding skills, and an offensive post game.  Also, after underperforming alongside of Dwight for most of the season (career worst 12.2 ppg, .416% from the field) and coming back from a recent concussion he suffered, Gasol’s trade stock has never been lower, making it the perfect time for Michael Jordan & Co. to act.  In the meantime, Charlotte can send one of several packages back Los Angeles’ way that would help the Lakers make a run at the playoffs.

Henderson, Williams, Mullens & Diop: Henderson and Williams would be decent bench options off the bench to allow Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace some well deserved rest.  Meanwhile, Mullens could play the power forward position and do what he does best; step out of the paint and shoot jumpers.  This will allow Dwight Howard to roam around freely in the paint, and Mullens the opportunity to pull the trigger without hesitation.  Diop would also prove to helpful in allowing Howard plenty of rest as he continues to try and recuperate from his early season back problems.

Henderson/Mullens, Diop & Tyrus Thomas: Now this is the deal I’m sure most Charlotte fans wouldn’t mind seeing happen.  While some may not care for the inclusion of Henderson and/or Mullens in any of these scenarios, this last one allows for the Cats to shed Thomas’ horrible contract and rid themselves of the mistake that was made one too many losses ago.  Thomas would also allow the Lakers to continue to rest their current big men in their rotation, such as Howard, rookie Robert Sacre, and the veteran Antawn Jamison.

While none of these deals will probably be complete without a few exchanged draft picks (something ESPN’s Trade Machine fails to simulate), it’s about time Charlotte made some moves.

It’s time to make a deal.  Let’s just hope that Charlotte doesn’t get Zonked in the process.

Dec 12, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward center Byron Mullens (22) fights for the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Lamar Odom (7) and forward Blake Griffin (32) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Clippers win 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Byron Mullens is expected to miss several weeks with a sprained left ankle, according to a report from the Charlotte Observer. In Saturday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, Mullens took a hard fall late in the second half. Mullens couldn’t put any weight on his left ankle and did not return to the game. MRI’s on his ankle were negative, and there is no fracture. Mullens could be out up to a month.

This means the Bobcats will be calling on the newly-acquired Hakim Warrick for production. It’s not known if Warrick will start, though he’s been getting minutes off the bench in the past couple of games. Brendan Haywood also figures to see an increase in minutes again, and Jeff Adrien could be in the mix too. Tyrus Thomas remains sidelined with a calf strain, and there’s no word yet on his return.

Mullens statistically wasn’t having a great seasno by any means. The former Ohio State Buckeye is averaging 11.6ppg, 7.8reb, while shooting 37% from the field with a 12.4 PER. However, Mullens is clearly the most offensively capable big man the Bobcats have in their struggling frontcourt. Coach Dunlap will be counting on some player to get some points and fill a little bit of that void.

There’s also an option to play more smallball, moving Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to power forward, depending on the matchup. We’ll see how Coach Dunlap approaches it tomorrow night against the Miami Heat, where there’s guaranteed to be at least one new starter.

Nov 24, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Byron Mullens (22) shoots a jump shot against the Washington Wizards during the second half at the Verizon Center. The Bobcats defeated the Wizards 108 – 106 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Bobcats were at one point this year close to the top 10 in rebounding. They’ve fallen into the bottom ten.

One reason is that their starting center/power forward, Byron Mullens thinks he’s Ray Allen.

“But Mullens is averaging over seven rebounds a game,” you might say.

Yes. He’s also averaging 4.5 threes per game and just 1.3 makes (not to mention the number of long jumpers he takes and misses). That’s over three missed shots per game that Mullens has absolutely no shot to rebound.

The Bobcats need all the possessions they can get, because they’re shooting just 42 percent from the field.

Having Mullens floating around the three point line on a solid number of possessions does the Bobcats no good in that regard.

The list of power forwards/centers hitting more threes than Mullens per game isn’t very long, but the list of power forwards/centers hitting a higher percentage of them is. In fact, of all qualifying players at those two positions, Mullens has the worst three point percentage and it’s not even close; Mullens is the only one of them shooting worse than 30 percent from behind the arc.

For the Bobcats to improve, Mullens needs to pick his spots better. He cannot continue to have the green light if this team is going to stay out of the league’s basement this year.

Three rebounds more per game instead of three missed threes would have him averaging a double-double.

Those rebounds would also give the Bobcats three more possessions per game, and for a team that’s lost five games decided by six points or fewer, Charlotte needs as many extra possessions as it can get.

April 20, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Byron Mullens (22) takes a jump shot during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Time Warner Cable Arena. Grizzlies win 85-80. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

60 percent of the time, it works every time.

That line from Anchor Man just about sums up the basketball player formally known as Byron Mullens.

More accurately, it reflects how people perceive Mullens’ thought process when it comes to three point shooting.

In Charlotte’s first two games, Mullens couldn’t buy a three.

Against the Suns, his treys kept the ‘Cats in the game.

Statistically its hard to justify how many threes he takes; Seven-feet-of-smooth made just 24 percent of the long balls he took last year, and in his first two seasons of professional basketball, he didn’t even take a three.

“But, Bryan,” you might be saying, “he barely played in those first two years.”

You’re right. However, in his lone year at Ohio State, Mullens didn’t take a single three.

So why does Mullens take so many threes that it’s hard to imagine him thinking anything at the point of release other than “KOBE!”?

And, the bigger question; Why does Mike Dunlap seemingly let him treat the ball like he’s Ray Allen in a bigger, pastier frame?

Honestly, I don’t know.

Despite his terrific performance from behind the arc against the Suns, Mullens is shooting just 33 percent from distance this year.  That should tell you all you need to know about how poorly he shot it in the first two games.

The terrifying thing about that game against the Suns is that Mullens probably feels justified for all the future threes he’ll take this year.

I’m not saying he shouldn’t ever shoot them. He’s proven he can make them at times.

For the sake of Charlotte’s W/L record and team shooting percentage, though, Dunlap should seriously look at capping the amount of threes Mullens takes without draining one as the season develops.

Oct 26, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Byron Mullens (22) reacts to a foul call during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 99-82. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

It’s a make or break concept; to live or to die by the three-pointer.  For Orlando, it never worked in the long run, as there were too many games with too many “sharpshooters” (see: Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis) who just kept missing.  Then again, there are the teams who can put it together to win the big ones (i.e. Mike Miller, Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals).

Yet the three-point shot is something that Charlotte has struggled to grasp over the years.  Steven Jackson and Gerald Wallace did what they could, and D.J. Augustin wasn’t too shabby when it came to hoisting up the long-ball, but the Bobcats haven’t been able to find that dynamite three-point specialist to lead the team from beyond the arc.

This season, though, the duties for shooting threes have been spread around, with plenty of the shots-to-come from new acquisition Ben Gordon, a lifetime .406% three-point shooter.  Also, Kemba Walker looks to improve his shooting percentage from beyond the arc, as does fourth-year man and incumbent shooting guard Gerald Henderson; Matt Carroll, Reggie Williams, and Jeff Taylor will also look to get in on the fun off the bench.

There is, however, one player that insists on shooting three-pointers for the Bobcats, but the Cats may be better off if he simply stopped.  Byron Mullens, a fourth-year player out of Ohio State, has struggled early this season from three-point land, and it’s hard to tell if his shooting will improve.  He’s only 2-of-14 from beyond the arc, a mere .142%, and only .357% from the field total.

It’s times like these that cause one to scratch their heads about what is unfolding in front of them.  Byron Mullens is seven-feet tall.  Byron Mullens weighs 275 pounds.  One would assume that Byron Mullens would use his height and frame to pound the ball inside and play like the average “big man”.  Mullens, however, tends to float around the three-point line and fire away whenever his defender gives him enough room.

This just in: every defender should give a seven-footer enough room from 26-feet away, because no seven-footer should be taking those shots.  Mullens, it seems, is content with taking the easy shot rather than banging around with the big boys for higher-percentage looks around the rim.

Consider the following:  in two regular season games this year, Mullens is 10-of-28 from the field, yet 2-of-14 from three.  Rework the percentages, and Mullens is shooting 7-of-14, or 50%, from within the three-point line.  Likewise, Mullens shot 17-of-38 in the preseason when shooting from within the three-point line, good for .447% from the field.

Mullens’ shot selection is proving to be costly for the Bobcats.  He’s not making his low-percentage shots, and continues to take them.  Also, by setting up on the perimeter and so far away from the paint, Mullens is missing out on rebounding opportunities, a category in which Charlotte has yet to lead this season (outrebounded 52-41 & 43-38).

Byron Mullens has confidence in his abilities, a key factor for any young team looking to rebuild.  What a young team like the Bobcats don’t need are ill-advised shots, such as the ones Mullens has been taking.  It’s about time he stopped.

Oct 7, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (15) greets Washington Wizards guard A.J.Price (12) during the first half against at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-US PRESSWIRE

The deadline for restricted free agents to receive extensions passed, and both Byron Mullens and Gerald Henderson went without new deals. It doesn’t go as a shocker. The Bobcats are probably playing the safe route and want to see how their players mix with Mike Dunlap going forward.

Mullens was impressive last year after being acquired by Oklahoma City, while Henderson has shown improvements season by season since being drafted. If both players have good seasons, they could be extended next summer in restricted free agency. The other option is a trade during the season, depending on where the Bobcats are at record-wise, and how the personel mixes this season. Pairing one of the players with an expiring like DeSagana Diop could bring something decent.

Around the league, players like Ty Lawson, Stephen Curry, Demar DeRozan and Taj Gibson all received lucrative four-year extensions. The most was given to Lawson at $48 million. I don’t think Mullens or Henderson could grab anywhere near that on the open market, even with a jump in their game.

Henderson could receive a deal similar to the four-year, $22 million contract signed by Courtney Lee from Boston. Mullens is a little tough to predict. If he makes a jump in his game, as a 23-year-old big man, developing as a stretch shooter, he could grab somewhere in the $30million range.

It’s another storyline to watch for this season, but it shouldn’t be a distraction. With or without an extension, there was going to be a lot on the shoulders of both Mullens and Henderson coming into this season.

March 31, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Bobcats head coach Paul Silas talks to center Byron Mullens (22) in the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

Sometimes the deals that don’t have as much publicity can provide the most benefit to a team. The Bobcats might be finding that out this season. Last year the Bobcats acquired benchwarmer Byron Mullens from Oklahoma City in exchange for a 2013 second round draft pick, that’s no longer owned by the Thunder.

Mullens is one of the more intriguing young players not discussed in the NBA. He was a touted prospect in high school, who was ranked #1 overall by Rivals in 2008. His freshman class included names such as Greg Monroe, Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday, Demar DeRozan, Iman Shumpert, Klay Thompson and fellow Bobcat Kemba Walker. This is a summary of his scouting report from Rivals:

Size, athleticism and skill are the big three that separate Mullens from the rest of this class. It just isn’t very often that you find a 7-foot plus center who can run, jump and shoot like Mullens. He has the type of athleticism that makes you think of Bill Walton and then he has the shooting touch that makes you wonder if he could develop into a Dirk Nowitzki type player. Mullens does need to become a tougher defender and rebounder, but the pieces are there for him to be a number one pick in the draft and premiere big man in the League.

Granted, high school basketball isn’t the ultimate say of a basketball prospect since NBA eligibility requires at least one year removed from high school. There have been plenty of players who were great in high school but amounted to nothing in the pros. Mullens ended up staying in town to play for Thad Matta at Ohio State. Mullens’ Buckeyes career was underwhelming to say the least and he predictably left after one season to go to the pros where he was drafted 24th overall in 2009. Most of the knocks about Mullens going into the draft are things that typically lead to big men becoming busts. Draft Express listed the following as concerns:

- All-around offensive polish, Turnover prone, Ability to put ball on floor, Advanced post moves, Commitment to playing defense, Defensive awareness, Defensive fundamentals, Man to man defense, Off-ball defense, Basketball IQ, Doesn’t always play hard, Experience, Focus, Likelihood of reaching potential, Not ready to contribute immediately, Questionable intangibles, Work ethic, Got by on instincts at college level, Not productive enough, Assist to turnover ratio, Passing skills, Average rebounder, Free throw shooting, Jump-shot

It wasn’t really a surprise that he got no playing time on the Thunder, who have championship aspirations. Luckily for Mullens he landed in Charlotte, a team scrambling to find answers in the frontcourt.

Here, Mullens has been a welcome addition, bringing a new element to the team with his jumpshot, scoring instincts and size. So far through training camp and preseason, it seems Mullens has been the most impressive frontcourt player. Reportedly he’s improved his jumper and even expanded his range to the three-point line. In today’s exhibition against the Wizards, Mullens took seven three-pointers and made three of them. He finished 6-13 from the field, 18 points and 8 rebounds.

While preseason doesn’t mean a ton and offseason fluff is at a surplus, it’s reasonable to talk about Mullens future with the team. He’s just 23-years-old and in the last year of his rookie contract. His third season in the league ended up being his first season with any real playing time. While scoring efficiencies and defense need work, it’s hard to overlook an athletic seven-footer who can step out to the perimeter and hit jumpers. Most power forwards in the NBA are expected to do so and even some centers. For me it’s hard to draw a comparison for Mullens. Physically and athletically he’s very gifted. Offensively he shows a lot of promise but defensively…he’s still raw.

It’s great knowing he came into training camp in good shape and immediately making good impressions with an expanded offensive game. While it’s only his second real season with playing time, he knows that management is expecting a great deal from him. It’s a decent amount of pressure for a guy whose acquisition was a mere afterthought in NBA circles.

April 16, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (15) jumps to pass the ball as he is defended by New Orleans Hornets forward Al-Farouq Aminu (0) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 75-67. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

The Charlotte Bobcats opened training camp today. Coming off the worst season in NBA history the team has question marks at almost every position.

At point guard, the Bobcats need Kemba Walker to step up and be a big time player this season.  Walker is going to need to distribute the ball as well as score if the Bobcats are to improve this season.

Gerald Henderson is projected to be the team’s starting shooting guard, but most people think that on a contending team Henderson would be a 6th man at best. However, the Bobcats are going to need Henderson to produce at an All-Star level if they want any chance to be competitive this year.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the projected starter at small forward, and could even play some power forward at times to add some versatility to the lineup. However, how he will produce on the offensive end of the floor is a big question. If his mid-range game improves, he can become a formidable offensive force for the Bobcats down the road. Also, Kidd-Gilchrist’s perimeter  defense will be a welcome addition to this year’s starting lineup.

At power forward the Bobcats plan to start Bismack Biyombo who has huge upside, but is a work in progress especially on the offensive end. The problem is the Bobcat’s need scoring and Biyombo doesn’t give you much on the offensive end.  On the defensive end Biyombo is a force averaging 1.8 blocks per game

Finally, at center the team plans to start 7 foot tall center Byron Mullens, who showed last year that he has great range on the offensive end.  But Mullens struggled at times last year on defense, especially when facing the top centers in the league.  If he can improve his defense Mullens has the potential to be a solid player.

Overall, this projected lineup has huge upside, but inexperience and a lack of a real scoring threat will plague the Bobcats again this season. This season is shaping up to be entertaining with such a young team, but in the end the lack of offense will prevent the Bobcats from being competitive.