Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to watch for in the 2018 preseason
By AJ Iezzi
How will Muscala and Johnson share minutes?
Amir Johnson was re-signed on a one-year deal, while Mike Muscala was acquired in a three-team deal. Both players are veterans that can lineup at center, but they have varying skill sets.
Amir Johnson is a defensive minded big man, that will do the majority of his scoring from the paint. Mike Muscala is a modern day big that can lineup at the four or five. He has an efficient faceup game. Muscala is a career 49 percent shooter, and will be a focal point in the second unit offense.
The backup center will most likely depend on the opposing lineup. Amir Johnson will be the choice if the Sixers can surround him with shooters, and if they need him to trade punches with a bruising center. In essence, his role is not at all different from last year.
Mike Muscala will virtually have Ersan Ilyasova‘s offensive role. He’ll be brought in to space the floor. Muscala’s presence will draw his defender away from the basket, creating driving lanes and space for shooters to find good looks.
The advantage Muscala has over Johnson is his interchangeability. Muscala could lineup at power forward or center. He could play in a multitude of lineups. Johnson needs specific personnel on the court. He’s a rim runner and an interior defender.
Amir Johnson has Brett Brown’s trust, and is more impactful than the stats indicate. Mike Muscala is an offensive-minded floor spacer with success, in a scheme similar to what the Sixers use. If I had to guess I’d say the minutes will be relatively even, but if either gets hot it could give them the primary backup center spot.