Charlotte Bobcats rookie Bismack Biyombo is now a center.

That was coach Paul Silas’s declaration Thursday, in response to Biyombo’s 10-point, 11-rebound game in Orlando. Biyombo did a respectable job guarding Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard, so Silas now plans to use Biyombo primarily, if not exclusively, as Byron Mullens’ backup in the middle

Mullens and Biyombo are markedly different players. Seven-footer Mullens has excelled offensively, with shooting range that extends to the 3-point line. Biyombo, 6-9, is a shotblocker/rebounder who is physically strong enough not to yield to a player of Howard’s size and explosiveness.

Silas said that contrast can work in the Bobcats’ favor.

“We can run the same plays, but instead of popping for jumpers (as Mullens does), he’ll always roll’’ to the rim, Silas said of Biyombo. “Defensively, he’ll be very good at rebounding and running the court. He got a block the other night, ran the court and got a dunk at the other end. That doesn’t happen that often.‘’

The Bobcats have a glut at power forward that was evident from the start of training camp. Biyombo was the seventh pick of last June’s draft. Tyrus Thomas and Boris Diaw are among the team’s highest-paid players, and D.J. White emerged as one of the team’s most efficient players while Thomas was out with an ankle sprain.

Thomas has struggled of late (3-of-13 from the field in his last two games). Diaw is now a reserve. White shot 7-of-9 Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, then didn’t play against the Magic.

Silas said there’s no obvious fix for managing minutes at the position.

“It’s difficult right now because I’ve got so many 4s,’’ Silas said. “I’ve got Tyrus, Boris and D.J. And Eddy (Najera) is coming back soon.

“Tyrus probably will start and Boris will play. Whoever is doing the best job, that’s who will play.’’

White said he wasn’t concerned about not playing in Orlando.

“Things happen in this business that you can’t control,’’ White said. “My college coach (Kelvin Sampson at Indiana) always told me there are only two things you control as a player -- your attitude and your effort.

“I always stay ready, whether I’m playing 30 minutes’’ or not at all.

Biyombo’s offense: Biyombo shot 5-of-5 from the field in Orlando. Silas credited big man coach Rob Werdann with improving Biyombo’s hands quickly.

Werdann works one-on-one with Biyombo every day in a drill where Biyombo must catch a basketball one-handed from a wide variety of angles. Silas said he’s seen a big improvement as a result of that work.

Injury update: Najera, out since the preseason with torn knee cartilage, has begun practicing. Silas said it’s basically up to Najera when he feels ready to be activated for a game.

Reggie Williams (torn meniscus in his left knee) has been cleared this week to do shooting drills. If he progresses as expected, he might start practicing as early as next week.