Feb 2, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Charlotte Bobcats power forward Tyrus Thomas (12) grabs a rebound against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell:USA TODAY Sports

Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas was told not to travel with the team for their current four-game road trip, according to a report from The Charlotte Observer. Bobcats president of basketball operations Rod Higgins said Thomas’ time would be better spent staying Charlotte to do rehabilitation work and individual workouts.

Thomas, the team’s second highest paid player was inactive for the 10th straight time, and has missed 12 games in a row.

Thomas is owed a little bit over $16 million through the 2015 season. The Bobcats signed him to a five-year, $40 million deal in 2010, after helping the Bobcats reach the playoffs in the 2010 season. Since then Thomas’ tenure as a Bobcat has been rough, and he’s now found himself out of the Mike Dunlap’s rotation.

It’s possible the Bobcats could use their amnesty provision on Thomas during the summer. The Bobcats would still owe Thomas the remainder of his salary, but it would not count against the cap. Amnestying Thomas could further clear payroll for the Bobcats, who are expected to have more than $20 million in cap space in the offseason.

With the Bobcats seeking improvement in the frontcourt, and Byron Mullens seeing the bulk of minutes at power forward, financially it doesn’t make sense for the Bobcats to keep Thomas in the fold. Last offseason the team reportedly shopped him to any team that would listen, but found no takers.

Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2006, and Thomas traded to Chicago in exchange for LaMarcus Aldridge. In Chicago, Thomas showed flashes of being a big-time defensive impact player with his length, energy and freakish athleticism. Thomas though always struggled getting consistent playing time, reportedly had attitude problems and issues with head coaches. Thomas was traded to the Bobcats in 2010 for a future first round pick, Acie Law and Ronald Murray.

A team could certainly take a chance on Thomas if he goes through the amnesty waiver system, where he’ll come at a cheaper cost. Thomas turns 27 this summer and could be re-energized with a change of scenery.

In 2012, former Bobcat Boris Diaw was waived by the team. Diaw’s declining season numbers, conditioning problems, and effectiveness made many Bobcats fans believe he had nothing left in the tank. Diaw however was picked up by the San Antonio Spurs, and since then has returned to form as a roleplayer on a championship contender. Diaw’s overall efficiency is up and he’s been a big veteran piece for the Spurs.

While Thomas’ time in Charlotte may be coming to an end, it wouldn’t be surprising for another team to reap the benefits that the Bobcats and Bulls both saw in a short amount of time, as the Spurs have with Diaw.

Dec 26, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Hakim Warrick (21) drives past Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) and center forward Chris Bosh (1) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Heat wins 105-92. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Play Jeff Adrien and Hakim Warrick more.

If the Charlotte Bobcats want to rebound more missed shots, they’re going to have to play those two guys more.

At the very least, they’re going to have to play Adrien more.

In just 11 minutes per game, Adrien is averaging 4.1 rebounds. For the mathematically impaired (like me) that’s 13.5 rebounds per 36 minutes.

Since I mentioned him at the top, you might as well know Warrick averages 7.6 rebounds per 36 minutes.

I’m not saying either of them should play 36 minutes per game. I’m not saying either of them should play 26 minutes per game.

But for a team that could benefit from extra possessions as much as the Bobcats, coach Mike Dunlap should find a way to get them 20 minutes a game each.

That might not be as hard as you think, either:

Warrick already plays 17 minutes a game, and Adrien plays 10 minutes per game. That means for the two to be on the court 20 minutes a piece, Dunlap would just have to find 13 minutes a game to give them.

The solution? Amnesty Tyrus Thomas.

He’s averaging 17.5 minutes per game. The Bobcats are probably going to amnesty him this off season anyway. He’s averaging significantly less rebounds per 36 minutes than Adrien and Warrick.

If those two guys could basically split Thomas’s minutes, Charlotte would be better by 8.4 boards per game. That’s 8.4 more potential run-outs and possessions per game the Bobcats sorely need.

November 2, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) reacts after being called for a foul during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 90-89. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrus Thomas is listed as probable, for the Charlotte Bobcats game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas has been out of action since Nov. 17 with a calf strain. There’s no word on if he will play, and how much he could play, but the Bobcats are in need of another big.

With Byron Mullens out with an ankle injury, the Bobcats have been relying on Hakim Warrick as a heavy minute starter. Jeff Adrien and Gana Diop have also received minutes lately, as Coach Dunlap continues to search for answers with his frontcourt. Thomas hasn’t been much of a factor for the team in a while, but I’m sure the team is still hoping that he can change that and be a positive asset on the floor.

Nov 14, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charlotte Bobcats power forward Tyrus Thomas (12) blocks a shot attempted by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Dante Cunningham during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday the Bobcats announced that Tyrus Thomas will miss two months with a strain on his left calf muscle, and a tear of his plantaris. Thomas was acquired by the Bobcats in 2010 from Chicago in exchange for Acie Law, Flip Murray, and a future first round pick.

The deal was fantastic for the Bobcats at the time, as Thomas flourished with a change of scenery, and strengthed the Bobcats playoff team. That offseason, Thomas inked a five-year, $40M contract with the team. He played well early into it, but since has fallen off.

The first round pick the Bobcats dealt to Chicago has protection on it until 2016:

2013 – Top 12 Protected

2014 – Top 10 Protected

2015 – Top 8 Proteced

2016 – Unprotected’

The protection was built under the hope that the Bobcats would get better over time, and the loss of a draft pick wouldn’t be a huge deal.

You’re boring me here Edward, the Bobcats are over .500, I don’t care about this mumbo jumbo! True, so lets talk about that.

If the playoffs started today, the Bobcats would be in as a 6th seed, and on their way to Miami for the first round. Bittersweet, but still fun nonetheless. Because of that, the Bobcats lose their draft pick to Chicago, which would either be the 19th or 20th pick pending a coin flip with Atlanta.

It wouldn’t be a huge deal considering this draft doesn’t project to be very strong. However, if the Bobcats were to slide out of the playoff picture in the East, but still be good enough to be in the mix, they could find themselves as one of the last two teams in the NBA out of the playoffs. That would put them at the 13th or 14th worst record in the league, giving Chicago a lottery pick for 2013.

But wait, there’s better news. The Bobcats  own two first round picks from Portland and Detroit. The Bobcats acquired these picks from the 2011 Gerald Wallace trade and this past summer’s Ben Gordon deal. Portland’s draft pick is Top 12 protected until 2016, where it will be unprotected. Detroit’s is Top-12 protected in 2013, Top-8 protected in 2014, Top-1 protected in 2015 and unprotected in 2016.

As it currently stands, the Blazers would draft anywhere from 12-14, pending coin flips with Chicago and the Lakers. Portland’s looked pretty good so far this season with the addition of Damien Lillard and development of Nicolas Batum, so there’s a realistic chance the Bobcats could end up with Portland’s pick this season. Detroit? Not so much, unless they really turn things around quick.

All this draft pick debt is just something to keep an eye on as the Bobcats improve this season. There’s a realistic scenario where the Bobcats could make out with two first rounders this year…or even none.

April 20, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Bismack Biyombo (0) talks for Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Grizzlies win 85-80. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

The Bobcats are 4-3. Its been a while since Bobcat’s fans have seen a bigger number in the win column then the losing column. The Bobcats will look to improve their record to 5-3 on Saturday when they face off against the Memphis Grizzlies.

However, Saturday’s game is no easy win, the Memphis Grizzlies are 6-1. The Grizzlies play the New York Knicks on Friday night, and could be 7-1 by the time they face off against the Bobcats Saturday night.

Even with the departure of O.J. Mayo this offseason the Grizzlies have been firing on all cylinders so far this season. Rudy Gay is averaging 20.7 ppg, and big Zach Randolph AKA Z-Bo is averaging an absurd 14 rpg. The Bobcats also will need to be weary of Z-Bo’s partner Marc Gasol, who is a dominant force in the paint.

Charlotte knows how they are going to win this game. The Bobcats are going to need to rely heavily on emerging superstar Kemba Walker, who has been lighting it up early in the season. The Bobcats will also look to Tyrus Thomas to build on his performance against the Timberwolves, by continuing to provide scoring and defense off the bench.

Not to be overstated here, but if the Bobcats win on Saturday it will be their fourth straight win. Truth be told, I am not even sure the last time a Bobcat’s fan had the ability to say, if we win our next game that will be four straight wins.

So on Saturday night at Time Warner Cable Arena the Bobcats will continue to try and make the rest of the NBA believe Charlotte is a playoff contender this year.

Nov 03, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Charlotte Bobcats power forward Tyrus Thomas (12) dribbles during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 126-99. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIRE

The wait is finally over. Hakim Warrick is a Charlotte Bobcat. The Bobcats acquired the journeyman power forward in exchange for longtime Bobcat Matt Carroll. Coach Mike Dunlap touted Warrick for his ability to play at both forward positions, while shooting a high percentage from the field. This trade isn’t something that will have NBA circles buzzing, but there are some potential effects of the trade, specifically Tyrus Thomas.

Thomas, who has $26 million left on his contract through 2015, has underperformed since signing an extension with the team in 2010. In the offseason there were rumors that the team was shopping Thomas to anyone who would listen, but ultimately didn’t find a match.

It’s clear that Thomas isn’t in the Bobcats plans going forward, as his minutes have decreased since the departure of Larry Brown. With Warrick and Thomas ultimately being very similar players, there doesn’t seem to be much chance they’ll play together unless the Bobcats go small. Even then, these are two players that just shouldn’t play together.

Warrick is only guaranteed to be under contract for this season at $4M. The Bobcats hold a team option for 2014 at the same amount, an option that seems reasonable to exercise if Warrick performs well this season. Regardless if Warrick’s option is exercised, the writing seems on the wall for the Bobcats to use their amnesty provision on Thomas next summer. ‘

They would still end up paying him the roughly $18M left on his deal, but would clearly have more to gain by freeing up the $8M that would have counted against the cap for next season.

Now since next summer is still far away, the Bobcats can always continue looking for a buyer on Thomas. They’ll have a tough time doing so though due to his decline in production. A deal would also require the Bobcats to probably take on a similar bad contract of a player likely to give you nothing.

We’ll see what happens, but it’s clear that Warrick’s acquisition isn’t good news for the future of Tyrus Thomas in Charlotte.

Oct 20, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Bobcats power forward Tyrus Thomas (12) attempts to block the shot of Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) during the third quarter at The Palace. Detroit won 85-80. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

First you see him.  Then you don’t.  That’s the mystery of Tyrus Thomas.

Tyrus Thomas exploded in yesterday’s loss against Detroit, recording 14 points, 16 rebounds, and a block in only his second start of the preseason, helping to keep the Cats in contention until the final buzzer.  Thomas was 7-of-12 from the field, and four of his boards came on the offensive glass.

Until the showdown in Motown against the Pistons, Thomas had been seldom used in the Cats’ previous contests, with 14 minutes and four field-goal attempts as preseason highs.  Yet this game could either be the start of a very different (and good) trend for Thomas, or simply an outlier that won’t be witnessed again in several weeks.  Thomas was a highly-touted double-double machine from LSU who was drafted fourth overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, but has only averaged double-digit scoring in three of his seven seasons, and has yet to average double-digit rebounding numbers in a single season.  He has been plagued by inconsistencies on the offensive end, and sometimes lackluster effort when not getting the ball, resulting in him riding the pine so much last season.

Following the game, head coach Mike Dunlap said he feels that Thomas has been playing with more confidence recently.  This new-found confidence is something that Charlotte fans would have enjoyed seeing earlier in Thomas’ tenure with the team; however, late is better than never, and finding a double-double threat at the power forward position would be reassuring heading into the season.

Thomas still has plenty of work to do to obtain a starter’s role, or see significant minutes off the bench.  There’s still time for him to impress Dunlap before the preseason ends, yet Thomas may have the chips stacked against him, as Dunlap is sure to give Byron Mullins (who had the night off) more chances to show his expanded range at the four, or give Bismack Biyombo more time to develop.  Yet Dunlap has said that everyone has a shot to make a name for themselves this season, and Thomas is no exception.  While usually being labeled as a bust, Thomas has a fighting shot in Dunlap’s team-first mindset, where every player has a chance to make a name for themselves and become a leader for a very young team.

Thomas has had his share of disappearing acts in his time with the Bobcats.  It looks as if he’s back again.  And hopefully, he’s here to stay this time.

Thomas came into the league after only playing one year at the collegiate level. He was touted as a player with tremendous upside due to his leaping ability and overall athleticism.

Coming into the league as the fourth overall pick in the 2006 draft, Thomas was expected to develop into one of the league’s premier power forwards. However, Thomas never really developed into that superstar, as over his seven seasons he has only averaged 7.9 ppg.

April 9, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats forward Tyrus Thomas (12) drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Wizards win 113-85. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

In 2010 the Bobcats took a chance on Thomas, and traded away two players and a first round pick to acquire him. The Bobcats hoped he could finally develop into the player everyone believed he could be coming out of college.

At the end of the 2010, the Bobcats signed Thomas to a five year $40 million deal. The team believed he could be the star the Bobcats needed to become competitive in the East. Over the last two years, Thomas has disappointed playing in only 41 games in 2010- 2011, and in 2011- 2012 he averaged only 5.6 ppg and shot only 37% from the field.

Many people believe Thomas will never reach his potential and become an NBA star, but if the Bobcats are going to improve this year then they will need Thomas to step up and produce. Thomas has all the tools to succeed, now its his turn to show the Bobcats he was worth the first round pick and $40 million contract.

Mullens, who came to the Bobcats last season from Oklahoma City in exchange for a future second round pick, spent some time at center last season. In a few seasons with the Thunder, Mullens had trouble getting on the floor. He played just 26 games and a little over 130 minutes, most of which came in blowouts. On a team with little offense up front, Mullens immediately saw a jump in playing time in Charlotte. He averaged about 24 mpg in his first month with the team, and though he was inconsistent with his jumper, he showed nice form and potential to be a pick/pop threat with more development.

Mullens should be the starting with Bismack Biyombo up front and they’ll be looking for him to make a jump on both sides of the ball, particularly on offense. Last season Mullens finished with a .473%TS, which is obviously awful for any starting big man. He’ll have to be more of a threat inside. 76% of Mullens offense came from jumpers, which explains why he only averaged 2.8 free throw attempts per 36. What’s even more disappointing is that Mullens made 82% of his free throw attempts last year. Of all frontcourt players who took at least 112 FTA’s last season, Mullens ranked 2nd in percentage behind only all-star forward Chris Bosh.

Behind Mullens the Bobcats have troubling seventh-year forward Tyrus Thomas. Thomas wowed Bobcats fans with his athleticism and explosiveness after coming over in a trade from the Chicago Bulls in 2010, and was an important part in the Bobcats first playoff birth in franchise history. At the time, Thomas was still just 23 years old and full of talent, making it no surprise why the Bobcats were interested in extending him that summer to a $40 million deal. The Bobcats hoped Thomas potential would pan out long-term and he would be on a steal of a contract from age 23-28.

Last season though was a failure for Thomas, who landed in the doghouse of Paul Silas, got pushed around defensively, and looked like a shell of a player many thought could be a game changer when he was first drafted. The Bobcats elected not to use their amnesty provision on the $26 million left on his contract through 2015, but that didn’t stop the team from reportedly shopping him to anyone who would listen. With no takers, the Bobcats seem to be hoping Thomas can have some type of positive contribution this season, but will it be enough to increase his trade value?

If internal options at power forward aren’t working, what’s next? Neither Brendan Haywood or DeSagana Diop should be playing at the 4, so a trade is likely. Entering the season, the trade market for power forwards isn’t clear. Players like Drew Gooden, Charlie Villanueva, and Channing Frye are probably available, but don’t seem to present the upside for good offensive production anymore. Then there are players like Kris Humphries, Andrea Bargnani, Carlos Boozer and David Lee with hefty contracts, who could be victims of cost-cutting should their teams not be performing well. The Utah Jazz also possess two potentially interesting trade candidates in Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap. Both players are slated to hit free agency next summer when the Bobcats will be well under the cap salary cap, and at the deadline, depending on how the Jazz are doing, could be available.

Right now it’s clear the Bobcats are going to wait-and-see with what happens at power forward, and that’s probably the best strategy.

Photo Courtesy US Presswire

If a team outside the top 5 wants to draft one of these guys, they're going to have to give up a lot.

Word around the sports universe is the Charlotte Bobcats are actively shopping the second pick of the NBA draft. The other word floating around there is that the Bobcats are asking too much for that pick.

But, how much is too much?

It is true that after Anthony Davis there isn’t a surefire franchise-changer in this draft. It’s also true that the players who will be drafted at spots two through six don’t have much separation between them.

Most people following the story agree that Charlotte is probably asking for at least two picks in return for the second pick, as well as requesting that their trade partner take on the salary of either Corey Maggette, Gana Diop or Tyrus Thomas.

Depending on who they make a deal with, those demands could be a little unreasonable…  OR, they could make a fair trade.

There are two teams with one pick in the top ten and another pick outside that range that the Bobcats would love to make a deal with.

Cleveland has picks four and 24. They don’t have much else worth trading for (that they’d be willing to give up, anyway). Trading their two picks and taking on a salary dump is the only way the Cavs could get Charlotte’s second overall pick.

The Portland Trailblazers, however, own the sixth and 11th picks. To give up both those picks and take on a mediocre (Thomas), over-the-hill (Maggette) or horrible (Diop) basketball player would be a bit of a stretch just to move up to the second spot in the 2012 NBA draft.

A trade could still happen, though. Pick two for picks six and 11 might still be a stretch, but if Portland wants to move up and get their man (some say Thomas Robinson, some say Michael Kidd-Gilchrist), they would have to consider that deal.

The other teams with multiple picks in this year’s draft don’t really have much wiggle-room if they want to make a deal with the Bobcats.

Houston has two mid level picks (14 and 16), so Charlotte is going to insist on receiving both of those picks and they’re probably not going to make a deal unless the Rockets take on someone like Thomas/Maggette/Diop. If I were Charlotte, though, I would ask for pick 14 and Goran Dragic in return for pick two and Thomas/Maggette/Diop, and I’d definitely consider that deal even if the Rockets wouldn’t take one of those three guys.

The Warriors also have two picks in this year’s draft (seven and 30). There’s no way Charlotte gives up the second pick solely for Golden State’s two first rounders, though. It would be hard to make the salaries match up in a trade involving players, though, so it’s hard to speculate on a deal that would work.

Boston has two picks, but they don’t seem interested in moving up, so it looks like if the second pick is going to be dealt, the team that gets it will also have to burden themselves with a high salary/low skill player.