Now I know for a fact that there was some folks that, as this shortened season started, asked why the Bobcats were trading a second round draft pick for this Mullens guy from the Oklahoma City Thunder that has averaged 5.3 minutes per game. To that, Trade Street Post has responded with, "In Cho we trust."  Don't tell anybody, but we were actually kinda wondering the same thing.  We knew we had a need for a big, and preferably a young one that was athletic.  After seeing what a great and consistent player that DJ White was turning out to be for us, we started to believe that OKC had some gems stuck on their bench.  Well, after our first time seeing Mullens play as a Bobcat, we instantly fell in love with what he brings to the table.  That first game Andrew saw him in as a Bobcat; he watched Byron (don't call him BJ) hit 5 shots in a row.  After the second shot, he started shouting, "Count it!" like he could hear Andrew from Section 214.  His comment held true for the next 3 shots Mullens took.  He hit a total of 5 in a row before he missed his first for the night.  From that game on, we knew this guy was something special.  We knew he was a vital piece that the Charlotte Bobcats needed in their ascent to the top.  What we didn't know was who he was, where he was from, why we got him for a mere 2nd round pick, and what is this "MullensMafia" thing?  When the man himself agreed to an interview, the Trade Street Post staff were all eager to get to know this future NBA star a bit better. He graciously answered our questions, and hopefully some of yours in the process as well. TSP is proud to better introduce to the Bobcats Faithful, Mr. Byron Mullens...

TSP:
Did you take a lot of grief in school about your rapid growth and notoriety, or were you accepted as everyone's best friend because of your ball skills?  I mean, what does it do to you as a 9th grader, knowing that there are colleges after you 4 years before you're going to graduate high school?  Did you feel like everything you did was suddenly under a microscope, both on the court and with each report card from your classes?

Byron Mullens:
I got a little bit of grief, but for the most part, it was more good than bad.  As a 9th grader I really didn't know what I was doing. I just thought it was pretty awesome to commit to a college at such a young age, but as I got older I learned how big of a decision that was that I made and I stuck with it.

TSP:
You had some prior exposure to Paul Silas before entering the NBA.  Did you ever think you would be playing for him in the NBA, and did you guys have a bond from the first meeting that carried over to now in Charlotte?

Byron Mullens:
It's funny that you ask that because I was in high school when he was coaching an Adidas Nation team that I was on. Since that day, I always knew I would be in the NBA someday and I always said it would be awesome that he could coach me again. It is crazy how things work out. God is good isn't he?

TSP:
I find it quite commendable that you attended college in your home state.  In recent years, finding any player at the college or pro level being true to their home state is a true rarity.  I'm really hoping that there is something to that, and if things work out like I think they will, you'll become a career player in Charlotte.  I know it's early, but what are your thoughts on the franchise, the team, and the community?

Byron Mullens:
I would love to stay here in Charlotte. It's not to far from home, and you can't beat the weather...haha.

TSP:
Looking at the 2009 NBA draft, there were only 2 centers drafted in the first 24 picks of the 1st round.  This was the year Blake Griffin was drafted first.  Hasheem Thabeet was the other C that was drafted in that first round.  Why did you only stay in college 1 year?  Did you feel that since there were so few centers coming out for the draft, you had a higher chance of getting picked early?

Byron Mullens:
That wasn't my mindset at all. I felt that I was ready to become an NBA player.  I know a lot of people are saying I should've stayed because my first 2 years in the NBA I haven't played, but I never got the chance to play. You can see how things change once you get a chance to show you can play.

TSP:
Do you think that 1 year at Ohio State got you more prepared for the NBA, or do you wish you would have stayed for a 2nd year? Do you plan to finish your degree down the road?

Byron Mullens:
To tell you the truth, if I could go back, I would've transferred out of Ohio state and went to Ohio U. The coach that I committed to left OSU and became the head coach at OU. I truly believe if I had done that, I would've stayed in school for another year or so, but that's not what happened.  I don't regret my decision.  I'm a strong believer in every thing happens for a reason. God has put me where I am today because this is where he wants me.

TSP:
Something that a few fans may not know about you is that you spent some time working on your game in the Ohio Correctional facilities.  We'd like for you to expand on that and just share what you learned and gained from such an experience.



Byron Mullens:
I just like to go up there to play ball to get a different feel for the game. It is very physical and tough competition, so when I go play up there I take on their mindset of the game.  They play like there's no tomorrow. They give it their all, and I believe that's been a big part in my success this year.

TSP:
I was taking a look at the Oklahoma City Thunder team that you were traded into for Rodrigue Beaubois.  What went through your mind when that went through and you were moved to the Thunder?  Looking at the team at that time, you had Nick Collison, Nenad Krstic, and Etan Thomas, all in front of you, getting playing time.  I would think that getting buried on the bench couldn't be a worse thing for a first round pick. DJ White seemed to have to go through the same thing, on that same team, at that same time. Was it frustrating or did it just increase your dedication to giving your all in practice? Please share with those of us who can only imagine such an experience what your feelings were during that period.

Byron Mullens:
Well, it was frustrating.  I'm not going to lie about it because I knew being on that team, no matter how much I worked and got better I still wasn't going to see the court. I just bit the bullet and kept working on my game and praying that some day something would change for me.  That day came when I got traded to come play for the Bobcats. I knew the lord was telling me to stay with it and keep working because some day is going to be your day, and thank God I stayed with it and came to practice every day with my head up and ready to get better.

TSP:
What was the first thing that entered your mind when you found out you were coming to the Charlotte Bobcats?  We would all like to know what your thoughts and expectations were as you arrived here.

Byron Mullens:
I was very excited knowing that Rich Cho was the GM and Paul Silas was the head coach. I knew that God put me in this position for a reason.

TSP:
Our Cats recently had a "Hall of Fame" level coach with one glaring shortcoming. It didn't matter what skills a player on a rookie contract had, this coach required that the player spend huge amounts of time on the bench. It drove the fans crazy. We would literally be screaming for him to give minutes to some of these skilled newcomers and all he would do is give them a couple of minutes during "cleanup" time at the end of the game. We felt as fans that the dust these guys were collecting at the end of the bench was crippling their ability to adapt to the league and play through their rookie mistakes. You may want to ask Gerald Henderson about the experience, as he was the most frequent victim. Now that he's playing, he has bloomed into a much-loved and solid member of the squad. Was your experience with the Thunder of a similar nature?  Did your "Mafia" spring up because fans wanted you to have your chance to shine?  We're just curious if that is where the "MullensMafia" came from. 

Byron Mullens:
I played a total of 26 games my 1st 2 years in the NBA, and it sucked (not going to lie), but I stayed prayed up and the Lord has put me in a great position to show teams and fans that I can play in this league. I give a lot of credit to coach for giving me a chance to do that and for giving me the confidence to go out there and get it done. When you feel that the coach is behind you all the way, it helps me play a lot better than feeling like I'm walking on eggshells when I'm on the court.

TSP:
What did that first start feel like?  It has to be a different feeling going from a playoff team with no minutes to a rebuilding team where you have wound up as a starter.  Feel free to expand on that.

Byron Mullens:
The first start felt great!  I remember someone saying when I got drafted that I would more than likely never start in an NBA game. I can check that off my list, along with a bunch of other things.
As far as going from a playoff team to a rebuilding team, this question came up in the locker room the other day.  Someone said "would you rather be on a team that is making the playoffs every year but not play at all, or be on a team that is struggling but getting to play a lot?"  Well, I have now been on both and I can say I'm much happier with where I'm at now.

TSP:
Why did you abandon the "BJ" handle?

Byron Mullens:
I just want to go by my name and not just my initials.

TSP:
Even though DJ White was at OKC when you were, he was having surgeries and issues with his jaw.  Did you guys get a chance to make a connection while you were together in OKC, and if so, has it picked back up now that you guys are playing together in Charlotte?

Byron Mullens:
DJ and I have been very close since day one in OKC.  We have played together with the d-league team in Tulsa, and when he got traded last year we still stayed connected. It's crazy how things have worked out, and we are back together again here in Charlotte.  And the best part is that we are both having a really good year so far.

TSP:
Just out of curiosity, I visited DraftExpress.com just to see how you were "weighed and measured" in the eyes of the so-called experts before the draft.  I'm not going to mention anything that they said, but I will say that the Charlotte Bobcat I'm watching play each night isn't the same guy.  Can you tell us what areas of your game you worked hardest at to sharpen yourself for the NBA game style?

Byron Mullens:
Well, I've always had this style of game since high school but never really got the chance to show it when I was at OSU and playing with the Thunder. Over the past 3 years, I've continued to work on my style of game and not let people get to me by trying to change my game. I just kept praying that the Lord would put me in a position that I could show my skill and help in any means.  Three years later he has answered that with putting me here in Charlotte.  I work on shooting and conditioning a lot.  I also work on my ball handling but I would say that's what I need to sharpen up on the most.

TSP:
Why do you think you have become a fan favorite here in Charlotte so fast?  It's no secret that the "Cable Box" gets loud when you take the court.  That has to be the greatest feeling.

Byron Mullens:
It could be because I talk to my fans through the media, Twitter, Facebook.... etc.
I think it's mainly because the fans can see that every time I take the court I'm leaving it all out there.  I try to play my best for the team and for the fans, and I thank the fans for all their support.

TSP:
Just how much does the crowd boost your energy in the game?  In the past, TWC Arena has been fairly quiet, and only recently has the arena gotten a bit rowdier, so that the player can see, hear, and feel the support.  You were a Big Ten, sixth man of the year winner.  Are the fans the 6th man for the players in your eyes?  Do they bring that extra something that helps push you to the next level?  I mean I know you couldn't hear me yelling from the upper deck, but you know what I mean...

Byron Mullens:
Fans really have a big part in a player's game.  Some people might say different, but for me, if I'm feeling the support from the fans, that makes me feel more comfortable on the court.  With the fans showing me support, I have to go bust my butt and give back to the fans so there just not out there cheering for nothing.

TSP:
We aren't demanding that you answer this one, but if you can, please do so very honestly. A fair number of "underused" or forgotten men (Gerald Wallace for one) have come to Charlotte and become suddenly "in demand" around the league. You seem to be rapidly making fools of the naysayers as well. Is your plan to play through your contract and use your increased value to the league to snag a contract in a bigger market city? Or would you instead like to remain here in the Queen City where you will be adored by the fans and an integral part of the plan to make the team championship contenders? Raymond Felton chose the former and has been bouncing around the league ever since and he is still missed here in Charlotte. Do you wish to become one of our leaders or quietly move on to potentially bigger things? We know it's a tough roll of the dice. For every ring winner, there is a Charles Barkley, seemingly cursed to never quite get that championship. Is that ring the ultimate goal or is there some other milestone for you that will define a "fulfilling" career?

Byron Mullens:
I love it here in Charlotte, and I would love to stay here in Charlotte.  The way I see it, this team took a chance and wanted me and gave me the chance to prove a lot of people wrong, so out of respect I would love to stay with this team.  That's a few years up the road though, so it's really not a big focus for me right now.

TSP:
When we were all growing up, we all had that pro player we wanted to be like.  You're playing for Michael Jordan.  Did you want to "Be like Mike", or was there another player that influenced you and your game?

Byron Mullens:
I didn't start playing basketball until I was in the 8th grade, and didn't really start taking it serious until I was in 9th grade, so for me, the player I loved to watch was Dirk Nowitzki.



TSP:
Are you able to visit your family and friends in Ohio? Off-nights are rare in this compressed season, but it's nice to recharge at home too.

Byron Mullens:
It's always a great feeling when you go back home from being gone for a long time. It's a great feeling walking through the airport or driving back into the city of your hometown. It's also always nice getting to spend time with your family as well.

There you have it Bobcats fans.  Hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more of him very soon.
Hope you enjoyed it, and I'd be willing to bet that if you have any additional questions for Byron, if you post them here, he might just log in ad answer them for you.