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.
Stiles Points
- Aleksej Pokusevski made his Debut for the Charlotte Organization playing for their G League affiliate the Greensboro Swarm. The former Thunder first-round pick posted 16 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and a steal. Offensively, Pokusevski looked the part but was a step slow defensively and should've made a larger impact on the glass. Still, he was able to lift the Swarm past the best team in the G League, the Delaware Blue Coats led by Darius Bazley.
- Vit Krejci logged his first career triple-double on Friday for the College Park Skyforce. The Former Thunder guard posted ten points, as many rebounds, and twelve assists.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went out to Norman on Friday night to support the University of Oklahoma Women's Gymnastics team in their win over the University of Michigan. The top-ranked Sooners continue to shine. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault is married to OU assistant coach Ashley Kerr.
- Jaylin Williams has a knee sprain but the team did not have a timeline for the injury on Friday. The Arkansas product was not seen at the public portion of practice yesterday. The Thunder will release their initial injury report for Sunday's game against the Suns later today.
Song of the Day: Get Ready by The Temptations.
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