Mike Muscala

Mike Muscala
Muscala with the Atlanta Hawks in 2015
Personal information
Born (1991-07-01) July 1, 1991 (age 33)
St. Louis Park, Minnesota, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High schoolRoseville (Roseville, Minnesota)
CollegeBucknell (2009–2013)
NBA draft2013: 2nd round, 44th overall pick
Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
Playing career2013–2024
PositionPower forward
Number31, 33, 57, 35, 41, 50
Career history
2013–2014Obradoiro CAB
2014–2018Atlanta Hawks
2014–2015→Fort Wayne Mad Ants
2017→Erie BayHawks
2018–2019Philadelphia 76ers
2019Los Angeles Lakers
2019–2023Oklahoma City Thunder
2023Boston Celtics
2023–2024Washington Wizards
2024Detroit Pistons
2024Oklahoma City Thunder
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Michael Peter Muscala (/muˈSKĂ luh/; born July 1, 1991) is an American former professional basketball player. He played 11 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons. He played college basketball for the Bucknell Bison.

Early life

Muscala was born on July 1, 1991, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He has a stepsister. Muscala grew up in Minnesota, and attended schools in Roseville, Minnesota, graduating from Roseville High School.[1][2]

College career

Muscala left Bucknell as the school's all-time leading scorer.

Muscala played for the Bucknell Bison men's basketball team for four seasons. He was the 2011 Patriot League Men's Basketball Player of the Year after leading the Bison to an NCAA tournament appearance. In addition, he was named to the First Team All-Patriot League and AP All-American Honorable Mention in 2010–2011.[3] He was a 2012–13 Academic All-America selection.[4] He was also a 2012–13 Senior CLASS Award finalist.[5] In 2013, Muscala also won the Patriot League Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and earned First-Team All Conference honors,[6] becoming the first player in Patriot League history to earn Player of the Year and Tournament MVP twice. During his 2012–13 campaign, Muscala also became Bucknell's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Al Leslie's 32-year record.[7]

On February 16, 2020, Bucknell retired Muscala's number 31. He became the third player in school history so honored.[8]

Professional career

Obradoiro (2013–2014)

On June 27, 2013, Muscala was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the 44th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft. He was subsequently traded to the Atlanta Hawks on draft night,[9] and later joined the Hawks for the 2013 NBA Summer League.

On August 1, 2013, Muscala signed a one-year deal with Río Natura Monbús Obradoiro of the Liga ACB.[10] On February 25, 2014, he parted ways with Obradoiro and returned to the United States.[11][12] In 20 games for the club, he averaged 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

Atlanta Hawks (2014–2018)

On February 27, 2014, Muscala signed a multi-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks.[13] He made his debut for the Hawks on March 2, recording four points and five rebounds in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.[14] In the team's regular season finale on April 16, Muscala scored a season-high 15 points in a 111–103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.[15]

In July 2014, Muscala re-joined the Hawks for the 2014 NBA Summer League. During the 2014–15 season, he received multiple assignments to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League.[16] On March 28, 2015, he had a season-best game with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.[17]

Muscala again played for the Hawks' summer league team in 2015, averaging 9.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in six games. On February 3, 2016, he scored a season-high 12 points in a 125–86 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[18] On March 26, 2016, he was presented with the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy for being the player who best exemplifies the characteristics Collier displayed off the court as a community ambassador.[19]

On June 29, 2016, the Hawks exercised the option for the 2016–17 season on Muscala's contract.[20]

On July 25, 2017, Muscala re-signed with the Hawks.[21] On March 11, 2018, he scored a career-high 19 points in a 129–122 loss to the Chicago Bulls.[22] On March 28, 2018, he set a new career high and led all scorers with 24 points in a 126–114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[23]

Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019)

On July 25, 2018, Muscala was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a three-team deal involving the Hawks and the Oklahoma City Thunder.[24]

Los Angeles Lakers (2019)

On February 6, 2019, Muscala was traded, along with Wilson Chandler, Landry Shamet and a number of future draft picks, to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanović and Mike Scott.[25] The following day, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac.[26]

Oklahoma City Thunder (2019–2023)

On July 10, 2019, Muscala signed a 2-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.[27]

Following his tenure with Philadelphia, Muscala is indirectly credited by fans for the 76ers' drafting of Tyrese Maxey. In August 2020, his game-winning three-point shot against the Heat ensured the Thunder's protected 2020 pick would fall to #21.[28] The game was inconsequential to that year's playoffs but Oklahoma City trading the rights to the pick in the upcoming draft (rather than future second round picks) was contingent on staying in the top 20. Philadelphia later selected Maxey at 21st overall with the Thunder's selection via Orlando.[29]

In November 2020, Muscala exercised his player option and returned for a second season with the Thunder.[30] On January 25, 2021, Muscala made a career-high six three-pointers and scored 23 points during a 125–122 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.[31]

On August 12, 2021, Muscala re-signed with the Thunder.[32] On March 8, 2022, he underwent season-ending surgery on his right ankle.[33]

On August 4, 2022, Muscala re-signed with the Thunder.[34]

Boston Celtics (2023)

On February 9, 2023, Muscala was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Justin Jackson and two future second-round draft picks.[35] Muscala made his Celtics debut a day later, recording 12 points and two rebounds in a 127–116 win over the Charlotte Hornets.[36]

Muscala wore No. 57 in Boston to honor his late mother, who was born in 1957.[37]

Washington Wizards (2023–2024)

On June 22, 2023, the Celtics traded Muscala to the Washington Wizards as part of a three–team deal involving the Memphis Grizzlies. The Wizards received Muscala, Danilo Gallinari, and the No.35 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft from Boston as well as Tyus Jones from Memphis in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis who landed in Boston. Additionally, Boston received the No. 25 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft and a 2024 first round pick (via GSW) from Memphis, while the Grizzlies acquired Marcus Smart.[38]

Detroit Pistons (2024)

On January 14, 2024, Muscala was traded to the Detroit Pistons, along with Danilo Gallinari, in exchange for Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers and future draft considerations.[39] He was bought out on February 28, after playing 13 games.[40]

Second stint with Oklahoma City (2024)

On March 2, 2024, Muscala signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder.[41] On July 13, he retired from basketball.[42]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

Regular season

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2013–14 Atlanta 20 0 10.7 .425 .000 1.000 2.6 .4 .2 .5 3.8
2014–15 Atlanta 40 8 12.6 .550 .409 .880 3.0 .6 .4 .5 4.9
2015–16 Atlanta 60 0 9.4 .500 .308 .795 2.0 .6 .2 .5 3.3
2016–17 Atlanta 70 3 17.7 .504 .418 .766 3.4 1.4 .4 .6 6.2
2017–18 Atlanta 53 7 20.0 .458 .371 .919 4.3 1.0 .6 .5 7.6
2018–19 Philadelphia 47 6 22.2 .392 .342 .818 4.3 1.3 .4 .6 7.4
L.A. Lakers 17 4 15.6 .434 .368 .875 2.6 .8 .2 .6 5.9
2019–20 Oklahoma City 47 2 12.2 .407 .378 .818 2.3 .9 .2 .3 4.8
2020–21 Oklahoma City 35 0 18.4 .446 .370 .917 3.8 .8 .2 .3 9.7
2021–22 Oklahoma City 43 0 13.8 .456 .429 .842 3.0 .5 .4 .6 8.0
2022–23 Oklahoma City 43 5 14.5 .438 .394 .795 3.1 .9 .3 .4 6.2
Boston 20 4 16.2 .472 .385 .692 3.4 .6 .2 .3 5.9
2023–24 Washington 24 2 14.1 .367 .275 .750 3.1 .9 .2 .3 4.0
Detroit 13 4 13.2 .341 .382 .500 2.2 .8 .2 .4 3.5
Oklahoma City 16 0 5.7 .364 .091 .000 1.3 .3 .1 .1 1.1
Career 548 45 15.0 .451 .373 .830 3.1 .8 .3 .5 5.9

Playoffs

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2014 Atlanta 2 0 2.5 .000 .000 .000 .0 .0 .0 .0 .0
2015 Atlanta 10 0 10.2 .606 .250 .000 1.8 .1 .1 .3 4.2
2016 Atlanta 9 0 7.4 .500 .333 1.000 1.9 .3 .0 .1 2.7
2017 Atlanta 6 0 13.5 .278 .000 .875 2.7 .3 .2 .5 2.8
2020 Oklahoma City 2 0 10.0 .500 1.000 .000 2.0 .5 .0 .0 1.5
2023 Boston 6 0 3.5 .500 .500 .750 .7 .2 .0 .0 1.5
Career 35 0 8.4 .481 .304 .857 1.7 .2 .1 .2 2.7

College

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009–10 Bucknell 30 16 24.8 .462 .300 .806 4.9 .7 .3 2.1 9.8
2010–11 Bucknell 34 34 27.8 .517 .364 .816 7.3 1.3 .4 1.9 14.9
2011–12 Bucknell 35 35 29.9 .504 .350 .853 9.0 1.8 .4 1.6 17.0
2012–13 Bucknell 34 34 31.7 .509 .250 .789 11.1 2.2 .5 2.3 18.7
Career 133 119 28.7 .501 .313 .819 8.2 1.5 .4 2.0 15.3

See also

References

  1. ^ "Mike Muscala". Bucknell University. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  2. ^ "Arnold Konz, 82". Tri-County News. October 27, 2011.
  3. ^ "All-Patriot League, Major Awards Announced for Men's Basketball". PatriotLeague.org. February 28, 2011. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  4. ^ "Delaware's Elena Delle Donne, Ohio State's Aaron Craft top Capital One Academic All-America® Division I Basketball Teams". CoSIDA.com. February 21, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  5. ^ "Hulls Named Finalist for Senior CLASS Award". IUHoosiers.com. CBS Interactive. February 6, 2013. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  6. ^ "2012-13 men's basketball all-patriot league team and major awards announced". Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  7. ^ "Top seeds advance in patriot league men's basketball tournament". Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  8. ^ Bullock, Michael (February 16, 2020). "Bucknell retires No. 31 jersey of Mike Muscala". dailyitem.com. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  9. ^ "ATLANTA HAWKS SELECT DENNIS SCHROEDER AND ACQUIRE LUCAS NOGUEIRA IN FIRST ROUND OF 2013 NBA DRAFT". NBA.com. June 28, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2013.
  10. ^ "Obradoiro announced Hawks draftee Mike Muscala".
  11. ^ "Mike Muscala flying to Atlanta to sign with Hawks, agent says".
  12. ^ "Obradoiro announce an agreement with Hawks for Mike Muscala".
  13. ^ "Hawks Mike Muscala to a Contract". Atlanta Hawks.
  14. ^ "Notebook: Suns 129, Hawks 120". NBA.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  15. ^ "Mike Muscala 2013-14 Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com.
  16. ^ "All-Time NBA Assignments". NBA.com. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  17. ^ "Mike Muscala 2014-15 Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com.
  18. ^ "Mike Muscala 2015-16 Game Log". Basketball-Reference.com.
  19. ^ "Mike Muscala Awarded Jason Collier Memorial Trophy". Atlanta Hawks.
  20. ^ "Hawks Bringing Muscala Back Next Season". Atlanta Hawks.
  21. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Re-Sign Mike Muscala". NBA.com. July 25, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  22. ^ "LaVine, Portis lead Bulls past short-handed Hawks, 129-122". ESPN.com. March 11, 2018. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
  23. ^ "Towns' franchise-record 56 lead Wolves over Hawks 126-114". ESPN.com. March 28, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
  24. ^ "Team Acquires Mike Muscala in a Three-Team Deal". NBA.com. July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2018.
  25. ^ "L.A. Clippers Acquire Chandler, Muscala, Shamet And Two First Round Draft Picks". NBA.com. February 6, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  26. ^ "Lakers Acquire Mike Muscala". NBA.com. February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 7, 2019.
  27. ^ "Thunder Signs Mike Muscala". NBA.com. July 10, 2019. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  28. ^ Feldman, Dan (August 12, 2020). "Thunder's Mike Muscala hits game-winner, costs Thunder their first-round pick". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  29. ^ Noh, Stephen (November 15, 2023). "76ers fans have Mike Muscala to thank for Tyrese Maxey: How Thunder, Magic missed on drafting rising star". The Sporting News. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  30. ^ "OKC Thunder: Mike Muscala exercises player option". Thunderous Intentions. November 19, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  31. ^ Thunder snap 3-game skid, edge Trail Blazers 125-122
  32. ^ "Thunder Signs Mike Muscala". NBA.com. August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  33. ^ "Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Update". NBA. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  34. ^ "Thunder Signs Mike Muscala". NBA.com. August 4, 2022.
  35. ^ "Celtics Acquire Center/Forward Mike Muscala". NBA. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
  36. ^ "Tatum scores 41, White 33 as Celtics beat Hornets 127-116". ESPN. Retrieved February 10, 2023.
  37. ^ "The touching reason why new Celtics player Mike Muscala wears 57 as his jersey number". Boston.com. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  38. ^ "Wizards Acquire Three Veteran Players in Three-Team Deal". NBA.com. June 23, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  39. ^ "DETROIT PISTONS ACQUIRE DANILO GALLINARI AND MIKE MUSCALA". NBA.com. January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  40. ^ Pistons PR [@Pistons_PR] (February 28, 2024). "The @DetroitPistons and Mike Muscala have reached a buyout agreement" (Tweet). Retrieved February 28, 2024 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ "Thunder Signs Mike Muscala". NBA.com. March 2, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  42. ^ Lorenzi, Joel (July 13, 2024). "Mike Muscala set to retire from NBA after second stint with OKC Thunder". Oklahoman.com. Retrieved July 13, 2024.