Should the Atlanta Hawks pursue a Mike Muscala reunion?
The Atlanta Hawks are not in the position that they would have liked to be when they started the season. Their preseason was less than ideal due to injury and this meant that Nate McMillan’s goal of chemistry was going to be very difficult to obtain.
Yes, the Hawks struggled with chemistry at the start of the season and then had an injury crisis similar to that of last season. This was followed by the Covid crisis which almost crippled the team. However, all is not lost as the Hawks are not far out of playoff contention.
They are getting a number of players back from the NBA’s health and safety protocols which could push them towards a higher seeding if they come out of their current road trip relatively unscathed. However, would they benefit from getting a favorite son back into the fold, potentially taking them to that next level?
Should the Atlanta Hawks pursue Mike Muscala via trade?
Mike Muscala started his career with the Atlanta Hawks in 2014 after being taken by the Dallas Mavericks with the 44th pick of the 2013 NBA draft. He was a draft-night trade with Jared Cunningham and Lucas Nogueira for Shane Larkin and cash.
Muscala would not get a deal until 2014, mid-way through the season. The reason for this is that Muscala’s game is a little flawed. He was not a good defender, nor is he a great rebounder for his size. What he did develop during his time with the Hawks was a solid outside shot.
After going to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers, Muscala found a home with the OKC Thunder. He is now in his third season with the Thunder and has developed into one of the best shooting big men this season.
His 42.6 percent shooting from the perimeter is making the Thunder a very difficult team to play against. You have to respect Muscala when he sets up behind the arc as he is hitting most shots when he is open.
The Hawks are one of the best perimeter shooting teams in the league, they need to be to create the space for Trae Young to work in. So, would adding Muscala to this mix help or hinder the team? Well, that would send on what the Hawks need to give up in order to secure his services.
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Given that Travis Schlenk would be negotiating with Sam Presti, you can be assured that the services of Muscala would not come cheaply. If they do not have to give up much of their core, then Muscala would be a positive addition. If it cost more than Gorgui Dieng and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, then the Hawks should not pursue a deal.