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Atlanta Hawks 2016-17 Season Review: Mike Muscala

By Andrew Snyder

Feb 1, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) applies pressure to Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 116-93. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) applies pressure to Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 116-93. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) waits to enter the game against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) waits to enter the game against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good

Muscala played limited minutes during his first few seasons in Atlanta. His role seemed to increase in importance every season. He played 20 games in 2013-14, 40 games in 2014-15, and 60 games in 2015-16. The trend continued this past season.

Muscala played the most minutes of his career in 2016-17, which led to by far the best statistical season of his career. Muscala played 17.7 minutes per game over 70 games. Both were career highs.

Muscala finished the season averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per night on 50.4 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from three-point range. Muscala’s floor-stretching abilities were extremely important to a Hawks team that struggled from behind the arc all season.

Mike Budenholzer would often play Muscala ahead of Dwight Howard in crunch-time because of the spacing his presence provided. Although, that wasn’t always the case. Muscala proved to be a versatile third big that could play in various lineups.

Muscala got minutes at center playing alongside Paul Millsap, he also played beside Howard at times as a power forward. Muscala is a skilled offensive player and his game is perfectly suited for the modern NBA.

He wasn’t a huge impact player for the Hawks this season, but he finally carved out the perfect role for himself on this team.

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