OKC Thunder Media: Muscala -‘I’m older than Derrick (Favors)? Dang!’

With the OKC Thunder Media Day underway, a question percolating was who would win the battle of being happiest to be with the team. Covering both ends of the spectrum are rookie Josh Giddey and veteran Mike Muscala.

Giddey famously stated he only wanted to play for OKC while Moose was in tears at the end of season presser discussing how much the city, community, and team had meant to him.

In an era where the superstars are congregating in large markets, Muscala is a breath of fresh air recognizing the special nature of Oklahoma City and the Thunder organization.

He was rewarded for always delivering what was asked of him and returns as one of the team leaders. At 30 years and 88 days, he also owns the title of oldest on the team a mark he best Derrick Favors on by 14 days! A fact he didn’t seem aware of until today.

On Friday, when Sam Presti held his preseason presser his comments about building long-term stability in OKC immediately summoned thoughts of Muscala and what he’s meant to the franchise.

"“That’s one thing about our city and our community. I don’t think Oklahomans expect things to be given to them. I don’t think they expect things to be handed to them. I never really heard Oklahomans talk about taking the easy way or shortcutting things or not putting in a hard day’s work or not earning what you get. And they’re definitely not about acting like they’re doing one thing and doing another.” “The most competitive thing to do, in my opinion, is to really try to do something great and build it from the ground up.”"

OKC Thunder big Muscala: ‘I’m older than Derrick (Favors)? Dang!’

Mike Muscala’s free agency desire was never in question as he left his exit interview last season in tears. The franchise inked him to a two-year deal worth $7 million split evenly in the two seasons and the club has a team option in the 2022-23 season. He begins his ninth year in the league and third with the Thunder.

The veteran offered the following at the podium:

On how it feels to be back:

On his love for the city and community:

“I love the city itself, I think there are a lot of parts to the city when you don’t live here you don’t get to appreciate. I feel like I’m always discovering something new. I really appreciate what the Thunder are about, the fans, my family likes to come down here.” adding “From an organizational standpoint, I just feel like I really appreciate what the Thunder are about. I appreciate the fans, the people in the front office, coaching staff and the players that come in.”

On his teammate and rising superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he calls him one of the best players in the league. Says “Going forward just continuing to lead us, what he’s done so far has been great for the team. Taking guys aside giving them some tips, helping them out.”

He adds: “SGA is very driven, and humble. I think that’s the mindset and culture we try to have with the Thunder, I think he epitomizes that.”

On his role:

Diving deeper Moose says he has no problem doing whatever Mark Daigneault asks of him. “I don’t have any expectations whatever coach Mark wants me to do, I’ll do.” Adding he spent time with the young guys in OKC this offseason.

Like Favors, Muscala says being around such a young team is invigorating.

In the 2020-21 season, Muscala provided whatever OKC Thunder coach Daigneault asked of him and was a calming presence for the team both on and off the court. He averaged 9.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and shot 37 percent from the perimeter on 5.3 attempts in 18.4 minutes in the 35 games he appeared.