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Mike Muscala: A Bright Future With The Atlanta Hawks

By Adam McGee

Dec 17, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lou Amundson (89) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lou Amundson (89) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Hawks just keep on surprising people. This time it isn’t their play on the court surprising people though; it’s their moves off of it. Adreian Payne, Atlanta’s first-round pick from last summer is now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but that might just create more opportunities for another young Hawk in the form of Mike Muscala.

After being selected by the Hawks with the 15th overall pick of the 2014 Draft, Payne had very little opportunities in his time in Georgia. Although he spent time in both Fort Wayne and Austin in the D-League, in the NBA proper, Payne has only played just over 18 minutes in total to date. In other words, after using a first-round pick on him, Atlanta only played Payne in three games.

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So, why trade him away?

Well, there are a couple of reasons. First of all, it allowed the Hawks to create a roster spot without having to buy any salary out. That could be significant in the Hawks pursuit of any free agents over the coming weeks, like Ray Allen, as Atlanta transitions into win-now mode.

Secondly, it’s so rare in the NBA to have a deal that helps a team immediately but also serves as a positive for the future, but that’s exactly what this deal does. It gives Atlanta the opportunity to improve now with a hardened veteran, but also, having received a future first round pick, the Hawks will have an opportunity to strike gold in a draft towards the end of the decade.

Last but not least, there’s another reason that was mentioned by many at the time the deal was announced though. That is, that the Hawks really like and have an incredible amount of faith in second year big man Mike Muscala.

Why is that, and who is Mike Muscala you might be asking?

Nov 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) (left) reacts with team mates center Al Horford (15) and guard Kyle Korver (26) after the game against the New York Knicks at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) (left) reacts with team mates center Al Horford (15) and guard Kyle Korver (26) after the game against the New York Knicks at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Well, the former Bucknell Bison is currently best known for his colorful bench celebrations, Kyle Korver Trey With 3-Goggles” href=”http://uproxx.com/dimemag/2015/01/mike-muscala-preemptively-celebrates-kyle-korver-trey-3-goggles/” target=”_blank”>particularly in reaction to Kyle Korver three-pointers, but the early signs in his career indicate that he has a lot to offer on the court too.

Muscala is not your usual 7-footer, yet he’s exactly the sort of player you’d expect the Hawks to be developing within their system.

He’s eager and provides a ton of energy when he comes on to the floor. That comes in a variety of forms, including crashing the glass on defense, and working hard to set screens on the offensive end.

Muscala has played in 17 games for the Hawks so far this season, and in his 8.2 minutes per game he’s posting solid numbers: 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds on 54.9 percent shooting.

What’s exciting about that shooting percentage too is where Muscala takes his shots from too. Much like his veteran teammate Al Horford, the youngster likes to step back and shoot from mid-range. Just as it does for Horford it seems to be working for Muscala too.

With the way Atlanta likes to move the ball, and spread the opposition out, another big man developing that type of ability to space the floor is an exciting prospect for the Hawks too.

With their 7″2′ second-round draft selection Edy Tavares, who’s currently playing in Spain, also an option to be a part of the Hawks’ squad next season, that created a lot of opportunities for Atlanta.

One of which was moving Payne, who is still rated very highly by many around the league. Who knows how the decision will play out in the future, but right now it’s easy to understand why the Hawks are putting their faith in Mike Muscala.

Next: Kyle Korver: From Journeyman To History Maker

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