On Friday the Oklahoma City Thunder officially brought back Mike Muscala, signing him off the buyout market after the Detroit Pistons set him free making him eligible to join a contender for the stretch run of the season.
This will mark the third team Muscala will suit up for this season, but the first team that has double-digit victories to their name.
The 32-year-old forward big man returns to the OKC Thunder organization after averaging 6.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 0.7 stocks per game. Muscala shot 39 percent from beyond the arc a year ago helping him provide floor spacing for the Thunder, and make life easier on the offensive end.
Muscala brings great vibes to the Thunder, as a veteran who has played in 35 career playoff games, he also understands the culture in Oklahoma City being moved to tears when discussing what this organization means to him. He even spent part of last season as a mentor to his fellow Minnesotian Chet Holmgren.
On top of being considered a great teammate, and understanding the Thunder's on-court system and organizational standards, the Bucknell product can make an impact on the floor as well.
There are certain segments in most games where Oklahoma City could use a scoring punch with their secondary lineups, something Muscala can provide as a play-finisher.
The veteran forward can also helped unclog the lane as teams gear up for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives, Chet Holmgren dives, and Jalen Williams working to his spot in the mid-range, Muscala can provide a threat that holds defenders on the perimeter or generates quality looks on spray outs if his man does not stay home playing next to the Thunder stars.
No matter if from vibes or from the value he brings on offense (or both!) Muscala will help the Oklahoma City Thunder wrap up this season and quickly join the likes of Derek Fisher as impactful veterans on the buyout market that improves young Thunder teams.
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