Mark Daigneault shouts out this NBA assistant coach for having bright future

Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Starting a new career, Mike Muscala's first year as a Phoenix Suns assistant ended poetically. It ended via the hands of the team he spent his best years with in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The reigning NBA champions had another ho-hum Round 1 sweep.

The Thunder made quick work of the Suns. They won all four matchups with relative ease — even with Jalen Williams' latest hiccup of a third hamstring strain in four months. But just because there's a galaxy-sized talent discrepancy between the two, doesn't discredit what the latter did.

The Suns had one of the better feel-good seasons. After Kevin Durant's departure, Phoenix was stuck in the desert. But a bunch of new faces helped them find an oasis. Suns head coach Jordan Ott was one of them. He helped several role players enjoy career years across the board.

Part of his coaching staff included Muscala. Fresh off his retirement after OKC's 2024 NBA playoff run, He only took one gap year before he returned to the NBA world. This time, as a Suns assistant coach. After their Game 4 win, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault singled him out in his opening comments.