OKC Thunder: 3 most underappreciated players heading into 2020-21

Underapreciated member of the OKC Thunder No. 3) Mike Muscala

Last, but certainly not least we find the likes of Mike Muscala who, since coming to the OKC Thunder last offseason, has appeared to be underutilized, under the radar, and underappreciated.

Barely played last year, former Head Coach Billy Donovan showed an affinity to bestow the likes of Steven Adams, Nerlens Noel, and Danilo Gallinari the healthy helpings of frontcourt minutes, leaving just 12.2 a game for the eight-year pro despite showcasing the type of skill set that most other franchises would love to roster.

Because of this, it’s easy to figure out why so many opted to put the likes of Muscala in the backburner of their minds, even though he did boast 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds on 41 percent shooting from the floor and 38 percent shooting from deep per-36 minutes in 2019-20.

Now, with all those aforementioned players gone, the 28-year-old looks to be in line for a much bigger role in 2020-21, and, though one can’t get too excited about preseason games, Saturday’s exhibition against the San Antonio Spurs certainly appeared as though he’ll be able to produce admirably when utilized at an increased rate.

During the team’s 121-108 victory, Muscala proved to be an integral part of their success, as he managed to notch in 18 points on a perfect shooting night from both the field (5-5) and from deep (4-4) while also boasting the team’s third-highest plus-minus rating from the night (+14).

Our very own Brandon Dale recently referred to the big as a “sniper on standby.”

Listed 6-11 with a career 37 percent conversion rate from 3-point range on just $2.28 million a year, there’s an argument to be made that Mike Muscala is the most underappreciated player on the OKC Thunder’s entire roster.