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Why Mike Muscala is Ideal Fit on Brooklyn Nets

By Christian Milcos

Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Super Mario Brothers tattoo on the shoulder of Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Super Mario Brothers tattoo on the shoulder of Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer (left) talks with Hawks forward Mike Muscala (right) during the first half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer (left) talks with Hawks forward Mike Muscala (right) during the first half against Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

IQ

Muscala seems to have excelled at almost everything he has attempted in life. Going back to his college career, he was nominated for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award, which rewards student athletes who accomplish a lot on the court, as well as in the classroom. He was also named to the third-team of the Academic All-Americans in 2013. These achievements in the classroom have led to smart career choices and an impressive basketball IQ.

One of Muscala’s more notable traits is his efficiency. Moose was in the top 45 for field goal percentage among players who appeared in 70 or more games this season. He also places in the top 10 in field goal percentage among players who attempted more than three three-pointers per 36 minutes this season. This will be the third straight season in which he has shot 50 percent or better from the field. Not too shabby for a big man with range. Muscala clearly only takes the best shots available, which is certainly a trait that any team would welcome with open arms.

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His player efficiency rating sits at a respectable 14.4. This rating hovers around where starting caliber centers such as Robin Lopez, Frank Kaminsky and Marcin Gortat placed this season. His true shooting percentage, which is a great barometer to measure how a player is shooting in all facets, was ninth among all centers this season. However, among the nine centers that sit before Muscala, only he and Kelly Olynyk consistently let the ball fly from outside the paint.

What is the cause for this extremely efficient play? Muscala is an alum of what has been deemed “Hawks University,” which can be considered an extension of the Spurs’ highly-touted coaching staff. Before coming to Atlanta and winning Coach of the Year in 2015, “Coach Bud” was an assistant under Gregg Popovich for 16 years. He exemplified the Spurs-esque way of running a basketball team and quickly began to form his own coaching tree in Atlanta. The first branch of Budenholzer’s coaching tree to take a higher role elsewhere and possibly spread the influence of “Hawks University” was none other than Mr. Atkinson.

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While Muscala could be looking for a bigger opportunity with a different team this summer, it is logical to go from one of the smartest coaches in the NBA (Budenholzer), to his protégé (Atkinson). Furthermore, to develop his game overall, Muscala should consider playing for a coach who Budenholzer said was:

"“For a long time, very focused and very interested in just developing players. I sensed and felt he could be more. He had a great feel for the overall game and how it all worked on both ends. He could be a great head coach.”"

Better yet, there is already an established connection between Atkinson and Muscala. When Atkinson was the head coach of the Hawks’ Summer League team in 2015, he relied on Muscala to be a team leader. The current Brooklyn Nets head man said:

"“The good thing about this is he (Muscala) can be the focal point a little. What’s it like to be the first option on a team? What’s it like to lead a team? He is kind of leading this group. It’s not the regular season, but I think it’s a great experience for him all around.”"