2013 Draft Prospect: Mike Muscala [Archive]

Bruno

02-27-2013, 11:42 AM

http://media.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/photo/10369155-large.jpg
Height: 6-11
Weight: 235 lbs
Birthday: 07/01/1991
College: Bucknell

DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mike-Muscala-6520/)
NBADraft (http://www.nbadraft.net/players/mike-muscala)

Drom John

02-27-2013, 01:44 PM

At the moment Draft Express has the Spurs picking Muscala with #30.

FlAVaK

02-27-2013, 05:06 PM

"Team needs have NOT yet been taken into account in this mock draft."

They just see him as #30, not as the Spurs choice...

Biggems

03-05-2013, 09:51 PM

Darkwaters

03-06-2013, 03:11 AM

I want him, but not in the 1st. I believe he will be there in the early 2nd round. If we can accrue a pick between 31 and 40, he is my choice. He isn't the best athlete by any stretch.....but he can score inside and out, and has a some decent low post moves. He is a quality FT shooter, though this year his % has gone down. He is a very good rebounder and shot blocker. He also leads his team in assists.

If I have my way, he is our 2nd pick in the draft.

The early second can be hard to trade into sometimes. A lot of teams prefer a 31st or 32nd pick to a 28th or 29th. You get basically the same quality of player, but without the guaranteed money.

BLUF, you'll need to give up something decent to trade into a pick like that. And I'm not sure we really have the assets (at least ones we'd be willing to part with).

Chinook

03-06-2013, 11:43 AM

The early second can be hard to trade into sometimes. A lot of teams prefer a 31st or 32nd pick to a 28th or 29th. You get basically the same quality of player, but without the guaranteed money.

BLUF, you'll need to give up something decent to trade into a pick like that. And I'm not sure we really have the assets (at least ones we'd be willing to part with).

You're right for the most part about the value of second-rounders, but they are usually still worth less than low firsts on the trade market (during draft night). The Heat gave up their first second (31st overall), a 2014 second and cash for the rights to Norris Cole (28th over all). Last draft, the Cavs gave up the 33rd and 34th picks to move up seven spots to grab Zeller. It's possible the Spurs could trade down into the top of the second and even get more assets if there is a team in that range that wants to move up. Guaranteed contracts tend to be less of a big deal to non-competitive teams.

Darkwaters

03-06-2013, 11:53 AM

You're right for the most part about the value of second-rounders, but they are usually still worth less than low firsts on the trade market (during draft night). The Heat gave up their first second (31st overall), a 2014 second and cash for the rights to Norris Cole (28th over all). Last draft, the Cavs gave up the 33rd and 34th picks to move up seven spots to grab Zeller. It's possible the Spurs could trade down into the top of the second and even get more assets if there is a team in that range that wants to move up. Guaranteed contracts tend to be less of a big deal to non-competitive teams.

Of course thats always an option. I was really talking about trading into a draft slot without sacrificing any existing picks. But we could easily end up with three 2nd rounders instead of a 1st and 2nd. But the only way the Spurs actually draft that many players this year is if at least one (probably two) are draft n' stash.

Chinook

03-06-2013, 12:19 PM

Of course thats always an option. I was really talking about trading into a draft slot without sacrificing any existing picks. But we could easily end up with three 2nd rounders instead of a 1st and 2nd. But the only way the Spurs actually draft that many players this year is if at least one (probably two) are draft n' stash.

Indeed. One of the biggest benefits of having an early second is the lack of a wage scale, which allows teams to offer elite international players deals that are competitive with those offered by top European organizations. The Spurs had to wait three years for Splitter's wage restrictions to expire. In contrast, the Wolves signed Pekovic after only two years, and it only took that long because Pekovic was under contract.

Until recently, another benefit of having an early second over a late first was the effect the picks had on the cap. The cap hold from the first-rounder's contract used to stay on the books even if that player stayed overseas. For the Spurs with Splitter, it didn't matter, because they were never close the being under the tax during those three seasons. Other teams did shy away from drafting prospects that couldn't play right away for that reason, though. It's a good thing that's not the case under the new CBA, though.

Biggems

03-12-2013, 07:50 PM

why draft and stash? we will be losing Blair and most likely Bonner this year. That leaves 2 holes on our frontline. If we do indeed get Dieng in the 1st round, Muscala would be a great compliment in the early 2nd. He would be a poor man's Kevin Love....Then, in the late 2nd, go after James Ennis, a versatile wing who would compliment Leonard and Green.

Mal

03-22-2013, 09:28 AM

And there goes 1st round for him.

Richie

05-16-2013, 06:22 AM

I like the sound of the guy. Well rounded offensive game, can hit the mid range and his free throws, good shot blocker and strong rebounder.

Would take a lot of scouting to ensure he isn't a dud who is just dominating weaker opposition. If he put up these stats against better competition he would likely be a lottery pick. If he has a good showing against other prospects in scrimmages he could well move up out of our reach.

The kind of player who a lot of teams might pass on but might be a late first round steal.

BackHome

05-16-2013, 08:24 PM

I think a lot of bigs that go are being drafted on "Potential" and I don't think a lot of them will stay in the NBA very long. I like the kid just don't know what are needs will be going into the summer is it SG/SF/PF or we let Splitter walk C?

Richie

05-23-2013, 02:43 PM

A scout was on the Hang Time podcast yesterday saying Muscala looks like one of the best bigs in the draft but is being overlooked.

Could be a steal at #28 if he's NBA ready.

td4mvp2k

05-23-2013, 03:55 PM

a ibaka not a muscala

jesterbobman

05-23-2013, 04:04 PM

Measurement similarity scores: Mike Muscala is most similar to Jared Jeffries and Tiago Splitter. Daniel M (@DSMok1)

yavozerb

05-23-2013, 04:11 PM

I like muscala but just feel the spurs could get more bang for there buck at #28 by drafting an athletic g/f type player which can shoot 3 and play D. After getting Baynes for next to nothing from europe and I am pretty sure we can expect a similar move in the future by the spurs front office at the 4 or 5 position. In todays NBA I think you build from outside in and depth is key to the spurs with aging players.

jesterbobman

05-23-2013, 04:47 PM

Richie

05-23-2013, 04:58 PM

I agree. I think he's a good prospect, but assuming Splitter is resigned and Diaw stays, we don't have any minutes for a Centre, and there'll be no big man minutes if the Spurs opt to go big in free agency.

If we take a big in free agency (which I hope we do) then I'd have to agree there would be no minutes for him. However I am slightly worried we'll strike out in free agency and I think a big man is our #1 priority this summer to give Duncan some more rest through the year.

Assuming Blair and Bonner are gone, we have a spot open for a big man and in particular a big man with a jump shot.

If a long 2 guard like Jamaal Franklin falls to us I'd take him over Muscala and hope we get a decent big in free agency, but I think he's a nice prospect.

bthewigwam

05-24-2013, 02:11 PM

337953866580643840

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jesterbobman

05-24-2013, 03:36 PM

Going back on what I said: There may not be many minutes for him if he was drafted in the first year with Duncan/Tiago/Boris/Baynes/FA, but in his second year there may be more minutes and big shooters are pretty highly valued by the Spurs.

Richie

05-24-2013, 03:43 PM

With that kind of praise, gotta expect he will shoot up draft boards.

pad300

05-24-2013, 03:52 PM

Richie

05-24-2013, 06:03 PM

As 58 sure, it's worth a shot. As 28, I have big reservations about his style. He's a dedicated mid-range guy; he doesn't shoot the 3 well (0.5 attempts/game at 25% 3FG%) and he doesn't have the size/power/athleticism to get it done in the post at NBA level.

Dude has great size for an NBA center. Same height as Splitter with a better vertical (both no step and max) and only an inch shorter wingspan. Strength may be an issue, but you aren't going to get a perfect player at 28.

He's had a down year with his free throws at only 79% (which is still excellent for a big man) but his first 3 years he shot over 80% from the line and last year hit 85% on nearly 7 free throws a game. He also hit 35% on his 3s in his 2nd and 3rd years, although it was on limited attempts.

The fact that he is an excellent free throw shooter and very good midrange shooter suggests there is every possibility he could develop an NBA 3 point shot. Even if he just has a mid range, that's very valuable in the NBA.

This is all going off what's written on DX as I've never seen him play, but he's said to have great post moves/footwork, although that part of his game may not translate well to tougher competition in the NBA. Even if you discount that, his size/jumpshot/defence makes him a great candidate for #28.

MR-Clutch

05-24-2013, 09:15 PM

His only weaknesses they list are competition and strength. I'm starting to like the sound of this guy.

playblair

05-27-2013, 09:55 PM

339212438543142912

Captivus

05-28-2013, 08:04 AM

339212438543142912

I see what you did there Mike!!

jesterbobman

05-28-2013, 03:26 PM

I've gone full circle on the Spurs drafting him. I thought he wouldn't be an option because the Spurs have many good bigs, and he wouldn't play, but the stats fan in me now probably has him at the top of the Spurs list of options(Behind Porter and some top 5 guys, but at the top of the guys who might be there at 28). Size is sufficient if his closest combine comparison is Tiago, he's a good shooter(FT's and apparently dominating workouts) and a good rebounder.

He's good in that APBR post in the main draft thread, the Wages of Wins #'s like him aswell(http://wagesofwins.com/2013/05/28/ranking-the-top-11-ncaa-prospects-at-each-position/), the Spurs have interviewed him and their picks in the last few years have been a lot of guys relatively high up on the Wins produced rankings.

I think he's a VERY likely candidate to be drafted if available.

MR-Clutch

05-28-2013, 11:09 PM

Noticed those stats too, that's what turned me on. The past guys we have drafted have all had high win shares and have been pretty successful relative to their draft position. It's an added bonus he has a high PER. I feel like he's gonna move ahead of our draft spot before draft day.

eDizzle20

05-29-2013, 09:05 AM

He looks like the most polished big in the draft. Definitely would not be a bad pick at #28. The biggest question mark is putting on more muscle and strength. It's also hard to tell how much the level of competition played into his stats. Then again, we're probably not even talking about this guy at #28 if he had played for a major program.

moisaenz

05-29-2013, 04:44 PM

If Spurs draft Muscala, bonner should definitely go.. Defensively the spurs can improve with Baynes going through a full training camp..

ace3g

06-05-2013, 09:13 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0bZtGPsDd7s

DesignatedT

06-06-2013, 01:00 AM

I just don't know how I feel about Muscala still. Theoretically I love the fit but I just don't know if his game is going to translate well. Could be a complete bust or a huge steal.

playblair

06-06-2013, 01:17 AM

I just don't know how I feel about Muscala still. Theoretically I love the fit but I just don't know if his game is going to translate well. Could be a complete bust or a huge steal.

mike had terrible ncaa tournament he was dominated .......................

DesignatedT

06-06-2013, 01:20 AM

mike had terrible ncaa tournament he was dominated .......................

He only played 1 game but yeah that sticks in my mind as well. Butler is solid though.

eDizzle20

06-20-2013, 12:39 AM

I would like to see the Spurs pick this guy at #28 even though they really need a small forward. Despite the bad tournament game against Butler there is so much potential with him. His post game is already quite polished with his footwork being excellent as well as his ability to shoot well with the left hand. He can shoot outside too. The biggest question would be putting on more muscle to compete well in the NBA. His skill set is too special to pass-up if he is available at #28, which seems to be the case based on mock drafts thus far.

jesterbobman

06-27-2013, 06:08 AM

I think he's the most likely player to be drafted by the Spurs. Passes a few stats based systems, and figures to be available at 28. I don't think he'll be a star, but getting an average NBA player at 28 is a huge win.

Drom John

08-01-2013, 12:50 PM

Mike Muscala ✔ @mikejawz
Signed with Blusens Monbus Obradoiro today. Estoy emocionado por la oportunidad! http://instagram.com/p/cdE8iwTQpE/

Can any of y'all tell me about the quality of Lega Endesa?

sinok

08-01-2013, 06:58 PM

liga endesa is another name for liga ACB. So top level Spanish league wit Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia & all

RodNIc91

07-06-2015, 12:30 AM

337953866580643840

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338005942010519552

Could this guy possibly be what the spurs will get in return for the Splitter trade? Has anyone seen him play?

jesterbobman

07-06-2015, 01:12 AM

There was a statement that the player to the spurs wasn't on the roster yet, and Muscala was - A lot of specualtion that Tavares is the guy - He was signed a day later. There are other options though, they have a Minny pick upcoming (Payne trade), and there could be a "worst of those 2 picks" deal.