Meet the newest member of the OKC Thunder: big man Mike Muscala
By Alex Mcewen
Historically, the OKC Thunder have not been big players during free agency, however, in 2019, they enter new territory. Let’s take a deep dive and meet the first free agent signing this year, Mike Muscala.
If Sam Presti indulges in reality TV, he must enjoy CBS’ Big Brother; the shows tag line is, “Expect the unexpected.” The same motto perfectly describes the OKC Thunder. Heading into free agency, the majority suspected Oklahoma City would be relatively quiet. That theory flew out the window quickly after the team signed free agent forward Mike Muscala.
Muscala is not only a surprising addition, but he is also a significant one. Over the past two seasons, the Thunder have been searching for a stretch four to replace Serge Ibaka. After trial runs with Patrick Patterson and Markieff Morris, Muscala is the next man up to fill the role.
Player specifics and stats:
- Height: 6′11″
- Weight: 240
- Age: 28
- College: Bucknell University
- Home Town: St. Louis Park, Minnesota
- Nicknames: Musky, Moose, and Jawz
| Season | Age | G | MP | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | eFG% | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 22 | 20 | 10.8 | .425 | .000 | .443 | .425 | 1.000 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 3.8 |
| 2014-15 | 23 | 40 | 12.6 | .550 | .409 | .574 | .579 | .880 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 4.9 |
| 2015-16 | 24 | 60 | 9.4 | .500 | .308 | .566 | .539 | .795 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 3.3 |
| 2016-17 | 25 | 70 | 17.7 | .504 | .418 | .546 | .573 | .766 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 6.2 |
| 2017-18 | 26 | 53 | 20.0 | .458 | .371 | .559 | .558 | .919 | 1.1 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 7.6 |
| 2018-19 | 27 | 64 | 20.4 | .402 | .348 | .533 | .525 | .824 | 0.9 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 7.0 |
| 2018-19 | 27 | 47 | 22.1 | .392 | .342 | .519 | .514 | .818 | 1.1 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 7.4 |
| 2018-19 | 27 | 17 | 15.6 | .434 | .368 | .577 | .560 | .875 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 5.9 |
| Career | 307 | 15.9 | .468 | .365 | .545 | .546 | .841 | 1.0 | 2.3 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 5.7 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/2/2019.
Mike Muscala at the expense of Nerlens Noel wouldn't have looked good.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) July 1, 2019
Signing both looks good.
More about Mike Muscala
Due to the fact, Muscala just turned 28, on July 1; he is also in the prime of his career, similar to another new OKC Thunder addition, Alec Burks. His skill set and age, indicate he is a win-now player, many pundits believe Oklahoma City is in a two-year window. Therefore, adding two players who are also ready to win, are positive signs for the Thunder.
An upgrade Muscala will provide over OKC’s previous big man tandem off the bench, consisting of Markieff Morris and Nerlens Noel is playoff experience. Combined, Noel and Morris have played in 29 playoff games. Whereas, Muscala has appeared in 27 postseason contests. Playoff experience is not a requirement for a deep run, but it certainly will not diminish Oklahoma City’s hopes to advance beyond the first-round.