Atlanta Hawks sign 2nd-round pick Mike Muscala

Mar 13, 2013; Lewisburg, PA, USA; Bucknell Bisons center Mike Muscala (31) celebrates after defeating the Lafayette Leopards 64-56 in the championship game of the Patriot League tournament at the Sojka Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

UPDATE: The Hawks have officially signed Muscala after releasing Dexter Pittman on Thursday afternoon.

———–

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (among other outlets) is reporting that the Atlanta Hawks are expected to sign center Mike Muscala on Thursday. Muscala was the Hawks’ 2^nd round pick out of Bucknell with the 44^th selection in 2013.  He was playing for River Natura Monbus in Spain prior to having his contract bought out by the Hawks this week.  Muscala averaged 14.6 points per game (7^th in the ACB League) and led the ACB League with 7.8 rebounds per game prior to being flown to Atlanta.

Atlanta, of course, has been plagued by injuries to post players all season, but the injury woes have gotten worse as of late. After injuries to Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Pero Antic, and Gustavo Ayon, the Hawks have been forced to give Elton Brand extended minutes and play either DeMarre Carroll or Cartier Martin at the power forward spot for long stretches. Yikes!

After buying out Antawn Jamison’s contract immediately upon trading for him, the Hawks signed Dexter Pittman to a 10-day contract as a depth move. Signing Muscala should be a better solution to provide depth in the post, though, and it gives him a great opportunity to begin developing with Atlanta.  It is possible that he may take Pittman’s roster spot (no official announcement has been made yet), but regardless of how the Hawks make room for him, Muscala should see immediate playing time and the front office will have every opportunity to evaluate him in the coming weeks.