The Sixer Sense
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Mike Muscala is the Philadelphia 76ers most underrated reserve

By Lucas Johnson

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 11: Mike Muscala #31 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Detroit Pistons at Philips Arena on February 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 11: Mike Muscala #31 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Detroit Pistons at Philips Arena on February 11, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have some flashy names in their second unit this upcoming season, but don’t sleep on stretch big man Mike Muscala.

Once Zhaire Smith returns from injury, the Philadelphia 76ers second unit will most likely consist of T.J. McConnell, Markelle Fultz, Smith, Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala. Out of that group Fultz and Chandler are the biggest names with Smith and McConnell being secondary staples. Leaving Muscala as the over looked member of the second unit, however he will be one of the more important pieces of that group.

Now this isn’t to say that he will produce more points than Fultz or Chandler and he more than likely won’t have the same impact defensively that McConnell and Smith will. However, his skill set will make everyone else in that group much more successful.

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When Co-Site Expert Christopher Kline wrote about how Muscala should take Amir Johnson‘s minutes as backup center, he touched on how Muscala can, at a lower level, mimic what Sixer’s starting center Joel Embiid can do on offense. Muscala is a career 37.8 percent 3-point shooter and will open up the floor for the other reserves in the second unit to attack the rim. This is especially important for a slasher like Smith.

In the past, I wrote that I don’t believe Muscala would be ready for a starting role if Embiid went down with injury, but did emphasize that Muscala is a “…very capable backup[s]”. As Kline pointed out in his previously mentioned article, Muscala is the best 3-point shooting reserve big man. His 3-point shooting will bring the second unit to a whole nother level.

Sure players like McConnell and Chandler have already proven they can shoot 3-pointers and hopefully Fultz can find his 3-point shot again with all the offseason work he’s put in. Once Smith returns from rehabbing his surgically repaired foot, he might be able to fulfill his potential as a 3-point shooter. However, having a 3-point shooting big will open up so much more on offense for the second unit.

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There’s little doubt that Muscala isn’t the Philadelphia 76ers best player in the second unit, however his impact coming off the bench cannot be understated. Assuming he doesn’t have a dip in production this season, Muscala may end up being the most underrated contributor coming off the bench.