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During his first two seasons in the league Mullens played a combined total of 139 minutes. Through fifteen contests with the Bobcats Mullens has already recorded 346 minutes with five appearances in the starting lineup. “Man it feels great,” Mullens said referring to receiving consistent playing time. “Getting this great opportunity coach [Paul Silas] is giving me. I’m just running on excitement. My legs are tired, but I’m going to toughen it up. To be playing is a great opportunity and I’m not going to give it up for anything.” HoopsWorld

Charlotte Bobcats, Oklahoma City Thunder, BJ Mullens 

But Silas saw enough that he's ready to try something new. Adding 7-footer Mullens to the lineup is definitely under strong consideration. "If feels good. I'm not gonna lie," said Mullens, when told Silas was considering starting him. Mullens (a career-high 17 points, plus five rebounds) couldn't even crack the rotation in two seasons in Oklahoma City but he's averaging 11.6 points as a Bobcat. Silas toyed with the idea of playing Augustin and Walker together from the day the Bobcats drafted Walker last June. They likely wouldn't both start, but their production Friday (Augustin 21 points and 12 assists, Walker 19 points) suggests Silas needs to find a way to feature both. Augustin and Walker are both around 6-foot, so neither can naturally defend an NBA shooting guard. So the Bobcats would likely need to play in a zone, the way they did for half of Friday's fourth quarter and overtime. Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Bobcats, BJ Mullens 

The reason for his lack of success with the Thunder is clear. The Thunder wanted someone who could post up and score, and that didn’t fit Mullens’ game, even when he played for the Buckeyes. He’s a perimeter shooter, and that isn’t where centers traditionally operate. Bobcats coach Paul Silas is allowing Mullens to be Mullens. “That’s a perfect description,” said Mullens, a third-year player, before Tuesday’s game against the Cavs. “Me and Coach sat down and talked and he said ‘I’m going to let you do what you do best. I’m not going to turn you into a player that you’re not. I’ve seen you since high school. You can shoot the ball, so just go out and shoot the ball with confidence. Shoot and make sure you make it.’ ” Akron Beacon Journal

Charlotte Bobcats, BJ Mullens 

Silas worked with Mullens when he was in high school. “He’s just playing now. I don’t think he played but 173 minutes over three years. We got to continue to play him and hopefully he’ll get better and better,” said Silas, a former Cavs coach. “I just love the way he shoots. He doesn’t have to post up for me. As long as he’s making baskets, it doesn’t matter.” Akron Beacon Journal

Charlotte Bobcats, BJ Mullens 

BJ Mullens: I wonder when nba 2k12 can update my ranks...haha Twitter

Charlotte Bobcats, Videogames, BJ Mullens 

DJ White: Just talked to my guy @BJ Mullens. Excited to have him. Bobcat fans welcome him!!! Twitter

Charlotte Bobcats, BJ Mullens, DJ White 

The Charlotte Bobcats are acquiring 7-footer B.J. Mullens from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bobcats are giving up a second-round pick in 2013 and are receiving cash considerations. Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Bobcats, Oklahoma City Thunder, Trade, BJ Mullens 

Because the Thunder is not taking back a player, league rules allow Oklahoma City to also receive a trade exception of approximately $1.38 million, which is Mullens’ $1.28 million contract plus an additional $100,000. Oklahoman

Charlotte Bobcats, Oklahoma City Thunder, Trade, BJ Mullens 

Mullens, who played one year at Ohio State before turning pro, has played sparingly the past two seasons with the Thunder. He averaged 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds. Obviously the Bobcats need depth inside after Kwame Brown chose to sign with the Golden State Warriors. Boris Diaw is scheduled to start at center. Charlotte Observer

Charlotte Bobcats, Oklahoma City Thunder, Trade, BJ Mullens 

Mullens played a freshman season at OSU (when he was known as B.J.) before being selected No. 24 overall in the 2009 draft by the Dallas Mavericks, who then immediately traded him to Oklahoma City. “I probably would have been a higher pick (in 2008) because of the hype I had coming out of high school,” Mullens said. “But college helped me a lot. I’m kind of glad the rule was in because I got to be on campus and experience college life and make great friends. “It’s a good rule. It gives kids another year to grow and mature.” Buckeye Xtra Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder, Draft, BJ Mullens 

Everyone’s choices are limited by the NBA draft rule. Sitting out a year or playing overseas works better in theory than in reality. “The only real way to get to the NBA is to go to college,” said ESPN college basketball commentator Jay Bilas. Just ask Mullens. Looking back, he’s glad he went to Ohio State for a year, but he wishes the options were open for everyone coming out of high school. “Guys should have the right to make their own decision,” he said. Buckeye Xtra Sports

Oklahoma City Thunder, Draft, BJ Mullens 

Cengiz Keçeli: Panionios found a replacement for BJ Mullens in Francisco Elson. Twitter

Lockout, Greece, Francisco Elson, BJ Mullens, Panionios 

Panionios Athens lost former NBA player Byron Mullens who decided to leave the team and return to the States. The Greek team, to replace him, agreed to terms with NBA forward Marreese Speights, who has as agent Andy Millers, the same as Mullens. Sportando

Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Lockout, Greece, Marreese Speights, BJ Mullens 

The Oklahoma City Thunder center who last month signed with the Greek basketball club Panionios had a change of heart and decided to come back home. “Felt out of the loop not being with my team here,” Mullens said via text message after landing in Ohio on Sunday night. Mullens left for Athens on Sept. 21. But infrequent games in the Greek League, coupled with a desire to participate with his Thunder teammates in organized voluntary workouts helped lead to his decision to return. Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder, Lockout, Greece, BJ Mullens 

Mullens’ contract with Panionios had a termination clause that would have allowed him to return if the NBA lockout was lifted. “We enjoyed it,” said Mullens, who traveled to Athens with his newlywed wife, Sharissa. “But at the end of the day, it wasn’t worth not being here with my crew.” Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder, Lockout, Greece, BJ Mullens 

Scott Schroeder: Byron Mullens was replaced by Marreese Speights in Greece, by the way. He apparently left on his own, judging from my last retweet. Twitter

Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Lockout, Greece, Marreese Speights, BJ Mullens 

BJ Mullens: Home sweet home! Twitter

Oklahoma City Thunder, Lockout, Greece, BJ Mullens 

Thunder center Byron Mullens has signed with the Greek basketball club Panionios, becoming the first Thunder player to circumvent the NBA lockout by heading overseas. Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder, Lockout, Greece, BJ Mullens 

How did this deal happen? Byron Mullens: Basically I was pretty much just waiting to hear about what's going on with the lockout and was talking to my agent about it. And we decided to see if we could get a deal going overseas to play. I've been working out all summer. We thought it'd be best to just get a different feel. You can only get better to a certain point working out by yourself. Oklahoman

Oklahoma City Thunder, Lockout, Greece, BJ Mullens 

Darnell Mayberry: Talked to Byron Mullens B4 he left for Greece. He said Thunder players plan 2 get 2gether for a second "minicamp" in Louisville next week. Twitter

Oklahoma City Thunder, BJ Mullens