Byron Mullens Hopes to Prove Critics Wrong


The LA Clippers’ new backup big man, Byron Mullens, says he wants to prove those who doubt him wrong. The 24-year old is looking forward to a fresh start with the Clippers. Per the team’s website: “There are still a lot of doubters and a lot of people kind of saying, ‘Why did the Clippers do this?’ but I hope to prove people wrong. I’m not going to let anybody down on the team,’ Mullens said. ‘I have a lot of stuff to do this year and I’m going to have a lot better shot selection this year, playing a better role on a better team.’ One of the primary things Mullens, 24, will be asked to do for the Clippers is space the floor from the center and power forward position. He made 66 3-pointers last season after attempting just 51 in his first three seasons combined. ‘[Head Coach Doc Rivers] just said, ‘We want you to come in and spread the floor,’ Mullens said. ‘But there’s also going to be some other things that I’m going to have to do like rebounding, and stuff like that, of course.’ And that’s likely one of the areas Mullens was referring to when he mentioned doubters. He’s not known as a defensive player, but is eager to prove he can provide ample help on that end of the floor. He’s not often thought of as a rebounder, but averaged 6.4 per game in 2012-13 in 26.9 minutes in a Bobcats lineup where he was often roaming the perimeter. After two seasons in Charlotte he entered free agency for the first time in July. The experience was more ‘stressful’ than anything. ‘It sucked at first,’ he said. ‘I just really didn’t have a winning history behind me. I think that raised a few red flags and stuff like that, but I’m in a real good situation now and I’m not mad about anything.'”