Mike Muscala
Mike Muscala (born July 1, 1991) is an American basketball coach and former professional player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he spent 11 seasons as a center and power forward known for his three-point shooting ability.[1][2] A native of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Muscala played college basketball at Bucknell University, where he averaged 15.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game over four seasons, earning Associated Press honorable mention All-American honors twice (2011 and 2013) and being named Patriot League Player of the Year in both 2011 and 2013.[3][1] Selected 44th overall in the second round of the 2013 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks on draft night, Muscala began his professional career with the Hawks, appearing in 243 games over five seasons while developing into a reliable stretch big.[1][4] He later played for the Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019), Los Angeles Lakers (2019), Oklahoma City Thunder (2019–2020 and 2021–2023), Boston Celtics (2023), Washington Wizards (2023–2024), Detroit Pistons (2024), and returned to the Thunder (2024), contributing as a role player in 548 regular-season games with career averages of 5.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 15.0 minutes per game, while shooting 37.3% from three-point range on 2.1 attempts.[1][2] Muscala also appeared in 35 playoff games across six postseason runs with the Hawks (2014, 2015, 2017), 76ers (2019), Thunder (2020), and Celtics (2023).[2] Following his retirement in July 2024 after concluding his playing career with the Thunder, Muscala transitioned to coaching and was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns on August 12, 2025, under head coach Jordan Ott, marking his first NBA coaching role after 11 years as a player.[5][6]Early years
Early life
Michael Peter Muscala was born on July 1, 1991, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.[1][3] He is an American of White Caucasian descent.[7] Muscala's parents are Bob Muscala and Marie (Mary) Maida, who divorced during his childhood.[8] He has a step-sister named Madeline Maida.[8][3] Growing up in the Minnesota suburbs, including areas like St. Paul and Roseville, Muscala was introduced to basketball at age five, developing an early interest in the sport through local play.[9] His family provided strong support for his athletic pursuits, with his mother being particularly involved and ever-present at his games from a young age.[10] Muscala's mother, Mary Maida, passed away on September 23, 2022, at age 65, after a nearly two-year battle with ovarian cancer that began in November 2020; she underwent chemotherapy, surgeries, and an experimental drug trial during her illness.[11][10]High school career
Mike Muscala attended Roseville Area High School in Roseville, Minnesota, where he graduated in 2009 after playing for the school's varsity basketball team from 2006 to 2009.[12] As a three-year letterman, he served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons, demonstrating leadership on the Roseville Raiders squad.[13] Throughout his high school tenure, Muscala's statistical output showed consistent progression, with his points and rebounds per game rising annually and culminating in him leading the team in scoring as a senior. In the 2008–09 season, he averaged 23.9 points and 14.8 rebounds across 28 games, contributing significantly to the team's efforts in the Lake Conference.[14] Over his full varsity career spanning 55 games, these figures reflected his development into a dominant interior presence.[14] Muscala underwent notable physical maturation during this period, growing from 6 feet 3 inches as a sophomore to 6 feet 9 inches by graduation, though his initially scrawny build limited his effectiveness in physical post play early on.[15] This growth enabled improvements in his paint dominance and perimeter shooting, transforming him from a perimeter-oriented player in his underclassmen years to a more versatile forward.[16] Despite earning third-team all-metro honors, his lean frame drew limited recruiting attention from top Division I programs like the University of Minnesota, leading him to commit to Bucknell University, a mid-major program that valued his skill set.[17]College career
Mike Muscala enrolled at Bucknell University in 2009 and played four seasons for the Bison men's basketball team through 2013, majoring in Spanish.[18][19] As a freshman in the 2009–10 season, Muscala adjusted to NCAA Division I competition, earning Second-Team All-Patriot League honors as one of only four freshmen ever selected to an All-League team in the conference.[20] He showed early potential in practice and contributed in 30 games, averaging 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while helping Bucknell secure a share of the Patriot League regular-season title.[21] During his sophomore and junior years, Muscala emerged as a dominant force in the Patriot League, leading the conference in rebounds and blocks each season.[21] As a sophomore in 2010–11, he averaged 14.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, earning First-Team All-Patriot League honors and the Patriot League Player of the Year award while guiding Bucknell to the NCAA Tournament. He also earned Associated Press honorable mention All-American honors that year.[22][23] In his junior campaign of 2011–12, he improved to 17.0 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, again securing First-Team All-Patriot League recognition and leading the Bison to another NCAA Tournament appearance.[21][24] In his senior year of 2012–13, Muscala captained Bucknell to the Patriot League regular-season and tournament titles, averaging 18.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He established himself as Bucknell's all-time leader in career rebounds with 1,093, field goal percentage at 50.1%, and blocks with 271, while also becoming the program's all-time leading scorer with 2,036 points—the only player in school history to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.[21][25] For his performance, he was named Patriot League Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, becoming the first player in league history to sweep those major awards in a single season. He also earned Associated Press honorable mention All-American honors. In recognition of his contributions, Bucknell retired his #31 jersey on February 15, 2020.[26][27][28] Over his college career, Muscala earned four All-Patriot League selections—Second-Team as a freshman and First-Team for his final three seasons—along with two Patriot League Player of the Year awards in 2011 and 2013.[24][26] He helped Bucknell achieve NCAA Tournament berths in 2012 and 2013, contributing to an unprecedented three straight outright regular-season titles from 2011 to 2013.[24] In preparation for the 2013 NBA Draft, Muscala focused on enhancing his perimeter shooting, particularly his three-point stroke, which had been inconsistent in college at 31.3% career, to better align with the demands of the modern NBA big man role; he demonstrated improved form in pre-draft workouts, shooting approximately 70% from three-point range in drills.[21]Professional career
Obradoiro CABU (2013–2014)
Following his selection as the 44th overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2013 NBA draft—with rights immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks—Mike Muscala signed a one-year contract with Obradoiro CABU of Spain's Liga ACB on August 1, 2013, to begin his professional career overseas.[30][31] As a starting center for the team based in Santiago de Compostela, Muscala quickly adapted to the faster-paced European style of play, leveraging his college-honed shooting accuracy from Bucknell to contribute effectively from mid-range and beyond the arc.[32] In 20 Liga ACB appearances during the 2013–14 season, Muscala averaged 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 54.0% from the field, helping anchor the team's interior defense and providing consistent scoring in the paint.[33][34] His development in post play and familiarity with international rules, including more physical contact and shorter shot clocks, proved pivotal as Obradoiro CABU finished 13th in the league standings, successfully avoiding relegation to the second division.[35] Muscala's blocks and rebounding were particularly impactful in close games, where his length disrupted opponents' interior scoring. The stint abroad also fostered significant personal growth for Muscala, who majored in Spanish at Bucknell and used the experience to immerse himself in the local culture, enhancing his language skills and easing team integration.[18] He learned the rigors of professional routines, including extensive travel across Europe for matches and managing team dynamics in a foreign environment, which built his maturity as a pro. On February 25, 2014, Muscala mutually parted ways with Obradoiro CABU via a buyout agreement, allowing him to sign with the Atlanta Hawks two days later and make his NBA debut.[36][37]Atlanta Hawks (2014–2018)
Muscala signed a multi-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks on February 27, 2014, after the team bought out his contract from his Spanish club, Obradoiro CAB.[37] He made his NBA debut five days later on March 2, 2014, against the Phoenix Suns, finishing with four points and five rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench during a 120-129 loss.[38][39] His overseas experience in the ACB League aided his transition to the NBA's speed and physical demands.[36] In the 2014–15 season, Muscala emerged as a key reserve for the Hawks, who posted a franchise-best 60–22 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals before falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers.[40] Appearing in 40 games primarily as a backup center, he averaged 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 55.0% from the field.[41] Over the next three seasons, Muscala solidified his role as a stretch big in Atlanta's system under coach Mike Budenholzer, emphasizing perimeter shooting and defensive versatility. He improved markedly from beyond the arc, hitting a career-high 41.8% on 2.5 attempts per game during the 2016–17 season, where he appeared in all 70 regular-season games.[41] By 2017–18, his scoring peaked at 7.6 points per game across 53 outings before the trade deadline.[41] On February 8, 2018, the Hawks traded Muscala, along with the 19th pick in the 2018 NBA draft, to the Philadelphia 76ers for guard Justin Anderson, the 30th pick in the 2018 draft, and a 2022 second-round pick.[42] Throughout his four seasons in Atlanta, Muscala contributed consistently from the bench, offering rim protection and floor-spacing that supported the team's playoff pushes, including their 60-win campaign.[43]Philadelphia 76ers (2018–2019)
On July 25, 2018, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Mike Muscala from the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade also involving the Oklahoma City Thunder, sending Justin Anderson to Atlanta and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot to Oklahoma City in exchange.[44] This move bolstered the 76ers' frontcourt depth with a stretch big, building on Muscala's shooting development during his Atlanta tenure where he shot over 35% from three-point range in the prior season.[41] Muscala quickly settled into a role as the primary backup center behind Joel Embiid, providing floor spacing and pick-and-pop options for the offense. In 47 regular-season games (six starts), he averaged 7.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 22.1 minutes per game, while connecting on 34.0% of his three-point attempts (68 makes on 199 tries).[41] His ability to stretch the floor complemented the 76ers' guard play, particularly in pick-and-pop sets with JJ Redick, where Muscala's movement and shooting created driving lanes and improved overall spacing.[45] As the 76ers pushed for a deep playoff run, finishing third in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record, Muscala contributed off the bench during their postseason appearance. He appeared in all nine playoff games across the first-round sweep of the Brooklyn Nets and the Eastern Conference Semifinals loss to the Boston Celtics in five games, logging limited minutes focused on maintaining frontcourt versatility and three-point threat without disrupting Embiid's rhythm.[46] His role emphasized efficient spacing rather than high-volume scoring, aligning with Philadelphia's strategy to maximize Embiid's interior dominance. Muscala's stint with the 76ers ended on February 6, 2019, when he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the blockbuster deal acquiring Tobias Harris, though he remained with Philadelphia through the early portion of the 2018-19 season.Los Angeles Lakers (2019)
On February 7, 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Mike Muscala from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for forward Michael Beasley and center Ivica Zubac.[47] This move came one day after the Clippers had obtained Muscala from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a multi-player deal that also involved forward Tobias Harris heading to Philadelphia in pursuit of an NBA title.[48] Muscala provided frontcourt depth for the Lakers during the remainder of the 2018–19 season, appearing in 17 games and starting four of them.[41] In those contests, he averaged 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 15.6 minutes per game, shooting 36.8 percent from three-point range.[41] The Lakers sought Muscala's floor-spacing ability to complement their pursuit of a superstar acquisition, such as New Orleans Pelicans center Anthony Davis, though no such deal materialized at the trade deadline.[49] However, with a crowded rotation featuring LeBron James at power forward and centers like JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler, Muscala's opportunities were limited, resulting in minimal overall impact on the team's 37–45 record and playoff miss.[50]Oklahoma City Thunder (2019–2023)
On July 10, 2019, Muscala signed a one-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, joining the team during a transitional rebuild phase following the departures of key stars Paul George and Russell Westbrook.[51] In the 2019–20 season, Muscala appeared in 47 games for the Thunder, primarily off the bench, averaging 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while shooting 37.8% from three-point range, contributing to a squad that unexpectedly clinched a play-in tournament spot with a 44–28 record before falling to the Portland Trail Blazers.[41] He exercised his player option to remain with Oklahoma City for the 2020–21 season.[52] Muscala re-signed with the Thunder on a two-year, $7 million deal in August 2021, securing his place through the 2022–23 campaign.[53] Over the subsequent seasons, he solidified his role as a reliable 3-and-D big man, maintaining three-point shooting efficiency above 35% across his OKC tenure (37.0% in 2020–21, 42.9% in 2021–22, and 36.4% in 2022–23), with standout scoring outputs including a career-best 9.7 points per game in 35 appearances during the 2020–21 season alongside 3.8 rebounds.[41][54] His consistent floor-spacing ability built on prior shooting prowess developed with the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers. As a veteran presence amid Oklahoma City's youth movement, Muscala provided mentorship to emerging talents like rookie Chet Holmgren, offering guidance on defensive positioning and professional routines during the 2022–23 season.[55] On February 9, 2023, ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Thunder traded Muscala to the Boston Celtics in exchange for forward Justin Jackson and two second-round draft picks.[56] During his time in Oklahoma City, Muscala helped the team reach the play-in tournament in three of his four seasons there (2019–20, 2020–21, and 2022–23), including a 2020–21 run where the Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies before elimination by the Dallas Mavericks.Boston Celtics (2023)
On February 9, 2023, the Boston Celtics acquired center Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for forward Justin Jackson and two future second-round draft picks, bolstering their frontcourt depth ahead of a championship push.[57] Muscala, a 31-year-old veteran with prior experience as a reliable stretch big in Oklahoma City, joined a contending roster needing supplementary scoring and spacing from the bench.[58] During the remainder of the 2022–23 regular season, Muscala appeared in 20 games for the Celtics, primarily in a reserve role that emphasized his three-point shooting to complement stars like Jayson Tatum and Al Horford.[41] He averaged 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 47.2% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc, providing situational support without disrupting the team's established rotation.[41] Though his minutes were limited to 16.2 per game on average, Muscala's presence added versatility to Boston's big-man group during a season where the Celtics finished with the NBA's best regular-season record. Muscala did not see action in the playoffs, where the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals but fell to the Denver Nuggets. Reflecting on his brief tenure in a September 2023 interview, he described the experience as "awesome" and one of his favorites, praising the winning environment, team culture, and passionate fans at TD Garden.[59] Following Boston's Finals run, the Celtics exercised Muscala's $3.5 million team option for the 2023–24 season and traded him, along with Danilo Gallinari, to the Washington Wizards on June 23, 2023, in a three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.[60]Washington Wizards (2023–2024)
On June 22, 2023, Mike Muscala was acquired by the Washington Wizards from the Boston Celtics as part of a three-team trade also involving the Memphis Grizzlies, in which the Wizards received guard Tyus Jones, forward Danilo Gallinari, Muscala, and the rights to the 35th and 37th picks in the 2023 NBA draft.[60] Following a brief stint with the contending Celtics—where he appeared in six playoff games during their run to the Eastern Conference Finals—Muscala joined a Wizards team in rebuild mode, bringing his 10 years of NBA experience as a reliable backup big man.[46] His contract for the 2023–24 season, the final year of a two-year, $7 million deal originally signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022, carried a salary of $3.5 million.[61] In the 2023–24 season, Muscala served as a backup center for the Wizards, providing veteran leadership and floor-spacing ability during a period of roster turnover and team struggles, with Washington finishing 15–67. He appeared in 24 games, averaging 4.0 points and 3.1 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game, while shooting 27.5% from three-point range on 1.3 attempts.[41] Though his role was limited to bench minutes and occasional spot starts—such as in early-season games against the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies—Muscala focused on contributing as a stretch big to complement the team's young core, emphasizing efficiency in pick-and-pop situations and defensive rotations.[62] Muscala's tenure emphasized off-court impact, acting as a mentor to younger players amid the Wizards' emphasis on development during their rebuilding phase. He offered guidance on professional routines and game preparation, drawing from his extensive career to support emerging talents on the frontcourt.[63] On January 14, 2024, the Wizards traded Muscala and Gallinari to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for center Marvin Bagley III, forward Isaiah Livers, and two second-round draft picks (2025 and 2028 via New York), as part of efforts to acquire assets and reshape the roster amid a 7–33 start to the season.[64]Detroit Pistons (2024)
On January 14, 2024, Muscala was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Detroit Pistons along with Danilo Gallinari in exchange for Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers, and two second-round draft picks.[64] In his role as a veteran backup center, he provided depth to a young Pistons roster struggling with a 3-36 record at the time of the trade, offering leadership and shooting spacing off the bench.[65] Muscala appeared in 13 games for Detroit during the 2023–24 season, averaging 3.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 13.2 minutes per game, primarily in end-of-bench minutes with limited starts.[41] His contributions were modest on the court, highlighted by efficient three-point shooting (40.7% on 1.8 attempts per game), but his presence was valued for mentoring younger players like Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart amid the team's rebuilding efforts.[41] Despite the Pistons' dismal 14–68 finish and missing the playoffs, Muscala's tenure ended on February 28, 2024, when the team agreed to a contract buyout, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.[66] This move freed him to pursue opportunities with playoff contenders, underscoring his limited on-court impact in Detroit but affirming his reputation as a positive locker room influence.Return to Oklahoma City Thunder (2024)
On March 2, 2024, Mike Muscala signed a rest-of-season contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder following a buyout from the Detroit Pistons, marking his return to the franchise where he had previously spent four seasons from 2019 to 2023.[67] This move added veteran frontcourt depth and shooting expertise to the Thunder's roster as they pursued a strong finish to the regular season and a deep playoff run in the Western Conference.[68] In his second stint with Oklahoma City, Muscala appeared in 16 regular-season games off the bench, averaging 1.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 5.7 minutes per game.[41] He provided familiarity with the team's system and served as a reliable deep reserve, though his role remained limited due to the Thunder's overall health and depth at the center position.[69] Muscala was included on the playoff roster as the Thunder advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, but he did not appear in any postseason games.[70] On July 13, 2024, Muscala announced his retirement from the NBA after 11 seasons, concluding his professional playing career with the Thunder—the team that had been his longest NBA home.[71] Over his career, he played in 548 regular-season games across seven teams, capping his tenure by returning to Oklahoma City for a final, albeit brief, contribution to the franchise's contending roster.[41]Post-playing career
Retirement and education
Mike Muscala officially retired from professional basketball in July 2024, concluding an 11-season career in the NBA, as confirmed by his father, Bob Muscala, to Joel A. Lorenzi of The Oklahoman. Muscala, selected in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks before his rights were traded to the Atlanta Hawks, expressed gratitude for his longevity in the league, stating, "Grateful for it all."[71] Following his retirement, Muscala enrolled in a graduate program in sports management at the University of Miami, which he was wrapping up as of May 2025, with intentions to explore opportunities in basketball coaching or administration, according to details shared by his father.[71][72] This educational pursuit marked a deliberate transition from his on-court role to further developing his expertise in the sport's business and operational aspects. Prior to retiring, Muscala had reflected on the unexpected duration of his career, noting a sense of gratitude for carving out a niche as a reliable big man across eight teams.[73] In the immediate aftermath of his playing days, Muscala focused on personal life and family after a nomadic professional journey that involved frequent team changes and relocations. No announcements were made regarding broadcasting or other non-coaching roles as of early 2025.Coaching career
On August 12, 2025, the Phoenix Suns hired Mike Muscala as an assistant coach under first-time head coach Jordan Ott, marking his entry into NBA coaching.[74][75] This role represents Muscala's inaugural position on an NBA coaching staff, coming just over a year after his retirement from playing in July 2024.[76][71] In his position with the Suns, Muscala focuses on player development, particularly for big men, drawing from his 11 seasons as an NBA forward/center across seven teams.[77][78] His work emphasizes tactical guidance for frontcourt players, including perimeter shooting, aligning with Phoenix's strategy to blend experience with emerging prospects. Reports highlight his seamless transition into coaching, facilitated by his pursuit of a master's degree in sports management following retirement, which equipped him with foundational knowledge in basketball operations and leadership.[71][72][5] As of November 2025, Muscala has contributed to the Suns' strong start to the 2025–26 season under Ott, including a five-game winning streak, as the team contends in the Western Conference with a roster anchored by stars like Kevin Durant amid ongoing team-building around veteran talent.[79] Muscala's move to coaching stems from a personal drive to remain connected to basketball, viewing mentorship as a natural extension of his playing career where he often served as a veteran resource for younger teammates.[71] Upon retiring, he expressed intentions to explore coaching and administration, reflecting a commitment to giving back to the sport that defined his professional life.[5]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Mike Muscala appeared in 548 NBA regular-season games over 11 seasons, averaging 5.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game across 15.0 minutes of play.[2] He shot 37.3% from three-point range on 2.1 attempts per game, contributing as a reliable stretch big man.[2] His advanced metrics included a career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 12.5 and a true shooting percentage of 56.2%, highlighting efficient but role-player production.[41] Muscala's scoring peaked at 9.7 points per game during the 2020-21 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 35 appearances, while his most efficient stretch came with the Atlanta Hawks from 2014 to 2018, posting a 58.1% true shooting percentage over 243 games.[41] Over his career, Muscala evolved from a low-volume shooter to a more aggressive three-point threat, increasing his attempts from 0.5 per game as a rookie to 2.5 per game during his final full season with the Thunder.[41] The following table summarizes his regular-season per-game statistics by season and team:| Season | Team | GP | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | ATL | 20 | 10.8 | 3.8 | 2.6 | 0.4 | .000 |
| 2014-15 | ATL | 40 | 12.6 | 4.9 | 3.0 | 0.6 | .409 |
| 2015-16 | ATL | 60 | 9.4 | 3.3 | 2.0 | 0.6 | .308 |
| 2016-17 | ATL | 70 | 17.7 | 6.2 | 3.4 | 1.4 | .418 |
| 2017-18 | ATL | 53 | 20.0 | 7.6 | 4.3 | 1.0 | .371 |
| 2018-19 | PHI | 47 | 22.1 | 7.4 | 4.3 | 1.3 | .342 |
| 2018-19 | LAL | 17 | 15.6 | 5.9 | 2.6 | 0.8 | .368 |
| 2019-20 | OKC | 47 | 12.2 | 4.8 | 2.3 | 0.9 | .378 |
| 2020-21 | OKC | 35 | 18.4 | 9.7 | 3.8 | 0.8 | .370 |
| 2021-22 | OKC | 43 | 13.8 | 8.0 | 3.0 | 0.5 | .429 |
| 2022-23 | OKC | 43 | 14.5 | 6.2 | 3.1 | 0.9 | .394 |
| 2022-23 | BOS | 20 | 16.2 | 5.9 | 3.4 | 0.6 | .385 |
| 2023-24 | WAS | 24 | 14.1 | 4.0 | 3.1 | 1.0 | .275 |
| 2023-24 | DET | 13 | 13.2 | 3.5 | 2.2 | 0.8 | .382 |
| 2023-24 | OKC | 16 | 5.7 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 0.3 | .091 |
| Career | - | 548 | 15.0 | 5.9 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 37.3 |
NBA playoffs
Mike Muscala's NBA playoff appearances were limited to 35 games across five postseason runs, where he averaged 2.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.2 assists per game while shooting 33.3% from three-point range.[80][41] Serving primarily as a bench player and floor spacer, Muscala contributed to several deep playoff efforts for his teams but had no defining series-altering moments, often providing shooting and rebounding support in limited minutes during high-stakes games.[46] His most notable playoff stint came in 2015 with the Atlanta Hawks, who advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals; Muscala appeared in 10 games, averaging 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 25.0% from three.[46] In 2019 with the Philadelphia 76ers, he played 9 games during their Eastern Conference Semifinals run, averaging 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds with a 40.0% three-point clip.[46] Other appearances were more peripheral, including 6 games with the 2023 Boston Celtics (who reached the Eastern Conference Finals) and 2 games with the 2020 Oklahoma City Thunder.[46][81]| Season | Team | G | PPG | RPG | 3P% | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | ATL | 2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | Lost First Round (vs. IND, 2–4) |
| 2014–15 | ATL | 10 | 4.2 | 1.8 | .250 | Lost ECF (vs. CLE, 0–4) |
| 2016–17 | ATL | 6 | 2.8 | 2.7 | .000 | Lost First Round (vs. WAS, 2–4) |
| 2018–19 | PHI | 9 | 4.4 | 2.3 | .400 | Lost ECS (vs. TOR, 3–4) |
| 2019–20 | OKC | 2 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 1.000 | Lost First Round (vs. HOU, 1–4) |
| 2022–23 | BOS | 6 | 1.5 | 0.7 | .500 | Lost ECF (vs. MIA, 2–4) |
| Career | 35 | 2.7 | 1.7 | .333 |
College
Mike Muscala played college basketball at Bucknell University from 2009 to 2013, appearing in 133 games over four seasons and establishing himself as one of the program's most productive big men. His career averages were 15.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game, with shooting splits of 50.1% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range.[21] Muscala concluded his collegiate career as Bucknell's all-time leader in total points (2,036) and rebounds (1,093), while ranking second in blocks (271); he remains the only player in school history to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.[82][25] During his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, Muscala led the Patriot League in rebounding, peaking in his final year with 11.1 rebounds per game while also topping the conference in scoring (18.7 points per game) and blocks (2.5 per game).[83][84][85][26] His efficiency stood out in Bucknell's deliberate, low-possession offensive system, where he posted a senior-year player efficiency rating of 35.73—the highest in Patriot League history at the time.[86] The following table summarizes Muscala's per-game statistics by season, including overall play; he consistently elevated his production in Patriot League conference games (averaging 8.9 rebounds as a sophomore, for example) and postseason tournaments, where Bucknell made three NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure.[21][87]| Season | Class | G | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Fr. | 31 | 22.5 | 9.9 | 4.9 | 0.8 | 1.7 | .514 | .250 | .795 |
| 2010–11 | So. | 34 | 27.0 | 14.9 | 7.3 | 1.4 | 1.9 | .537 | .286 | .818 |
| 2011–12 | Jr. | 34 | 30.2 | 17.0 | 9.1 | 1.8 | 2.0 | .512 | .345 | .821 |
| 2012–13 | Sr. | 34 | 31.7 | 18.7 | 11.1 | 2.3 | 2.5 | .486 | .333 | .839 |
| Career | 133 | 27.9 | 15.3 | 8.2 | 1.6 | 2.0 | .501 | .313 | .819 |