The Philadelphia 76ers have had a lot of villains in their recent history, but to say that the franchise has only yielded unceremonious partnerships would be too abrasive. After all, the team has also been home to some feel-good stories around the league, especially when it comes to veterans who ended up being adored by a huge chunk of the fanbase.
Asking for an example? Look no further than Mike Muscala. The sweet-shooting big man did not even spend an entire season in Philly, but he definitely left his mark on the franchise forever. In fact, his lasting “legacy” with the franchise does not come from what he provided for the squad in the 47 games he played as part of the 76ers roster.
Muscala’s best work, as most 76ers fans already know, is having an indirect hand in allowing the franchise to snag All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Local 76ers hero Mike Muscala makes shocking leap to coaching
Back in 2020, otherwise widely known as the “Bubble season”, the Thunder owed a first-round pick to the 76ers, though it was top-20 protected. Oklahoma City was facing Miami at that time, with both teams resting their key players.
The Heat were ahead by 18 entering the fouth quarter, but the Thunder slowly kept chipping away at the imposing lead. Muscala, then playing for OKC, swished a couple of three-pointers at the tail end of the game to stun Miami, resulting in a rather meaningless win for the Thunder. Ultimately, that win allowed the 76ers to get their pick, which they used to draft Maxey with the 21st overall pick.
Now, after a one-year sabbatical from the NBA, Muscala is reportedly making the jump to coaching in the NBA. As first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Phoenix Suns will be adding the 11-year veteran to the sidelines as their newest assistant coach under new lead tactician Jordan Ott, who supplanted Mike Budenholzer after his squad missed the playoffs despite having the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
Mike Muscala will no longer be that recurring feel-good story for the Philadelphia 76ers which every fan will think off when they see him in the hardwood simply because he has already hung his sneakers up, but his accidental impact will always be cherished by the fanbase. Without a doubt, real fans will always have a soft spot for him basically handing Tyrese Maxey to the franchise.