Brad Stevens Discusses What Mike Muscala Brings to the Celtics

Mike Muscala's value to the Celtics goes beyond his on-court production.

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

One day after becoming a Celtic, Mike Muscala is active for Boston's game against the Hornets at TD Garden.

Muscala will wear number 57, the first time in the franchise's history that a player has done so.

Detailing the move during a pregame media availability, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens expressed, "as you go through the league, you just keep tidbits in your mind of how you think guys would fit."

And whenever Muscala's name came up in conversation, the well-connected Stevens heard a few common themes.

"They always talked about how he approached his work, the way he was as a teammate, and how much he wanted to win, which is the most important thing."

Boston's president of basketball operations also recognized the fit and value of adding a player he describes as "super skilled," someone with whom "the ball doesn't stick in his hands" when he gets it.

There's also an understanding that the Celtics are at their best with two-big lineups featuring Robert Williams and Al Horford. Adding another player who allows Boston to utilize double-big lineup combinations, who has the versatility to play alongside the other front-court members on the roster, makes the team with the NBA's top record (39-16) even more formidable.

The Celtics also rest Robert Williams and Al Horford on the front and back end of back-to-backs, respectively. Boston isn't done with playing two games in as many days this season.

So, whether it's helping keep Williams and Horford's minutes down or improving the options available to Joe Mazzulla when one of them is out, the Celtics feel like they addressed their most-pressing need at the trade deadline.

And if Muscala helps Williams and Horford stay fresh through a postseason run the franchise hopes ends with banner 18, his impact goes beyond his production. There's a strong case, as positive a pickup as this was, especially considering the cost, that this is the most valuable aspect of acquiring the veteran center.

Plus, Boston may find another roster upgrade via the buyout market. The Celtics offer the chance to compete for a championship and a $3.23 million disabled player exception the league granted them due to Danilo Gallinari's ACL tear, making them as attractive a landing spot as any.

Further Reading

Celtics Reportedly 'Engaged' with Several Potential Buyout Candidates

Celtics Reportedly Missed Out on 'Top Choice' Big Man Leading to Deal for Mike Muscala

Examining Potential Options for the Celtics on the Buyout Market

Celtics Add Shooting, Center Depth in Trade for Mike Muscala

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Sixers: Boston's Defense and Ball Movement Propel Hosts to Victory

The Top 5 Plays from Wednesday's Celtics-Sixers Game

The Latest on Jaylen Brown's Facial Fracture and How Long He Might Be Out

1:1 with Paul Pierce on What the Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Means to Him; Jayson Tatum's Growth, His Evaluation of Boston's Season, and More