In a shocking turn of events, Mike Muscala, the seasoned big man of 11 years in the NBA, has officially announced his retirement from the game of basketball. The news was first reported by Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman. Muscala’s decision comes as a surprise to many, but according to his father, Bob, the 2013 second-round pick has other aspirations in mind.
“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,” Bob Muscala revealed.
Muscala’s career in the NBA began with the Atlanta Hawks, where he made a name for himself over the course of five seasons. During his time with the Hawks, Muscala averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Despite stints with several other teams including the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons, Muscala found a special place in his heart for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Playing for the Thunder on two separate occasions, Muscala shared the court with notable players such as Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Al Horford, and Gordon Hayward. Reflecting on his time with the Thunder, Muscala expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the team.
During his time with the Thunder, Muscala tallied 184 games under his belt, maintaining averages of 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. His contributions on the court did not go unnoticed, especially by former Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams.
Despite a brief 13-game stint with the Pistons, Williams commended Muscala for his ability to adapt quickly to a new environment. Additionally, Williams praised Muscala, along with Danilo Gallinari (who was also part of the same trade), for their professionalism and character both on and off the court.
As Muscala embarks on a new chapter in his life, the basketball world will undoubtedly miss his presence on the court, but his legacy will live on through his future endeavors in sports management and coaching. Mike Muscala may have hung up his sneakers, but his impact on the game of basketball will continue to be felt for years to come.
