After an 11-year NBA profession, Mike Muscala is becoming a member of the Phoenix Suns’ teaching employees, based on NBA insider Michael Scotto. The previous NBA middle has agreed to develop into an assistant coach alongside new Suns head coach Jordan Ott.
The 2 first crossed paths in Atlanta, the place Muscala was a participant with the Hawks from 2013-18, and Ott was a video coordinator from 2013-16. Now, the 2 reunite to guide a brand new period in Phoenix.
Muscala’s profession included seven stops, together with 5 seasons with the Hawks and practically 5 full seasons with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. He was well-known for stretching the ground at 6-foot-10, taking pictures a profession 37.3% from 3-point vary.
From 2020-22, he averaged a profession excessive in factors with the Thunder. Muscala additionally shot a career-best 43% from three in 2021-22. Simply over a yr in the past, he introduced his retirement. However now, 13 months later, he is returning to the NBA as an assistant coach.
Muscala’s impression in Phoenix
The Suns’ frontcourt is younger and largely untested. Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro are coming into their sophomore seasons. Phoenix acquired 23-year-old Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets earlier this offseason. And Khaman Maluach, doubtless the long run anchor of the group, was drafted within the first spherical with the No. 10 choose acquired from the Houston Rockets.
With Phoenix extending Devin Booker, the indication is that is who the Suns will construct round for the foreseeable future. Giving these younger frontcourt gamers a task mannequin like Muscala may speed up their growth alongside the star guard.
Throughout his 11-year profession, Muscala crossed paths with Joel Embiid, Dwight Howard, and Steven Adams. Their playstyles significantly resonate with Williams and Maluach: cumbersome large males that may catch lobs and anchor a protection.
Muscala won’t solely carry his personal ability set, but in addition draw on classes from former teammates to assist develop this younger frontcourt. Constructing a prototypical large man who can shield the rim and create area for guards in pick-and-rolls is precisely the type of help an elite scorer like Booker will worth.