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Mike Muscala Rumors
The Phoenix Suns today announced the coaching staff for head coach Jordan Ott, naming Jesse Mermuys, DeMarre Carroll, Brian Randle, Chaisson Allen, John Little, Mike Muscala and Sean Dwyer as assistant coaches. The Suns also announced that Mateen Cleaves has joined its player development team as player development/leadership assistant.
Suns to add Mike Muscala as assistant coach
Michael Scotto: Just In: The Phoenix Suns will add Mike Muscala as an assistant coach, sources told @hoopshype . After 11 NBA seasons with the Hawks, Thunder, 76ers, Wizards, Celtics, Lakers and Pistons, Muscala becomes a coach at 34. Suns new head coach Jordan Ott worked with Muscala in Atlanta.
The Bucknell product rattled home a game-winning 3 to deliver a 116-115 Thunder victory that pushed the winners high enough in the standings to cause them to forfeit their 2020 first-rounder to the Sixers. If Muscala's shot didn't drop — if the pick didn’t convey — Philadelphia would have received Oklahoma City's second-round picks in 2022 and 2023 instead. Which would have had Maxey lofting his signature floaters somewhere else. "I'm well aware," Muscala told me last spring.
There's been no escaping it ever since. When Muscala officially announced his retirement last July, Philadelphia's official social channels shared a wry appreciation post. A Sixers security staffer, meanwhile, is fond of reminding Maxey of his shared history with Muscala once or twice a month. No wonder Maxey sought Muscala out on the floor during pregame warmups to pay homage when the Sixers played the Thunder last season. "I was messing with him," Maxey recalled, "[saying] 'you're the reason why I'm here!' " Muscala chuckles at the memory and can only marvel at the star Maxey has become. "He’s obviously a very good player," Muscala conferred.
Mike Muscala retiring
Veteran NBA big man Mike Muscala is retiring, he told The Oklahoman. Per Muscala’s father, Bob, Mike intends to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in sports management, with intentions to venture into basketball coaching and/or administration. “Grateful for it all,” Mike Muscala said via text.
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Rylan Stiles: Mike Muscala on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander "I was very impressed and blown away early on from playing with him. He is such a gifted and very calm, cool, player. That even in the game last night, in a high-pressure game, he was just so composed...It has been awesome to see."
Clemente Almanza: Mike Muscala on his time with the Thunder: "It means a lot. Went through a lot in my life when I was here. Just the city and fans, the way they support the team... I'll always be a Thunder fan no matter what. I'll be a fan for life."
Brandon Rahbar: Jaylin Williams is OUT tomorrow vs the Suns (left knee sprain). Mike Muscala is officially on the roster and not listed on the injury report.
Mike Muscala will sign with Oklahoma City for the rest of the season
Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: After clearing waivers, center Mike Muscala plans to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the rest of the season. Muscala — who agreed to a buyout with Detroit — spent 2019-2023 with OKC and returns to bring depth for a postseason run.
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Mike Muscala finalizing buyout with Pistons
Adrian Wojnarowski: ESPN Sources: Detroit Pistons C Mike Muscala is finalizing a contract buyout, clearing the way for him to be eligible for the playoffs with his next team. Muscala has interest of a few contenders. pic.twitter.com/yeU1qldcXj
James Edwards III: Mike Muscala is back and will play.
Omari Sanfoka II: Monty on Stewart and Muscala being out: “It takes some physicality, some shooting away. It is what it is. I never think about it that way … the reality is they you look at what you have and make the most of that rotation.” Said Gallinari filled in well Wednesday.
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