After 11 seasons in the NBA, OKC Thunder veteran center Mike Muscala has decided to call it a career.
According to Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman, the 33-year-old intends to put an end to his playing days, though does not appear to be closing the door on a return to the game in the future, as he "intends to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in sports management, with intentions to venture into basketball coaching and/or administration."
Per the Thunder beat reporter, Muscala issued a message via text that summarized his feelings and overall emotions concerning the end of his professional tenure as a player.
"Grateful for it all."Mike Muscala, as transcribed by Lorenzi
OKC Thunder veteran Mike Muscala intends to retire from the NBA
Throughout his 11 years in the association, Muscala suited up for seven seperate ball clubs, with arguably his most notable stretch run being with the Thunder.
Someone get Muscala a towel! 💧#ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/ZKQgh7nWCi
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) January 26, 2021
From 2019-2023, and then again for the second half of this past campaign, the big man donned the blue, orange, yellow, and white threads, where he would go on to establish himself as a reliable frontcourt floor spacer and wrap up his 184 game tenure boasting solid per-game averages of 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds on 38.7 percent shooting from distance.
Though originally selected 44 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2013 NBA Draft, and seeing the most in-game action as a member of the Atlanta Hawks (243 outings), from his on-court efficiencies to his off-the-floor commentary regarding his fondness for the franchise and the city as a whole, it's easy to determine that, for a large portion of onlookers and fans, Muscala will best be remembered as a beloved member of the Thunder organization.
Now, with his decision to step away from his professional playing career, OKC faithful should be wishing the big nothing but the best when it comes to what his future may now hold.
Thanks for the memories, Moose!
"I'll always be a Thunder fan no matter what happens in my life."Mike Muscala