Jan. 28—Mike Muscala sat out 28 games at the end of last season for what was officially listed as a right ankle sprain.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said two weeks ago that Muscala was still managing the ankle injury, and when Muscala was asked about it Wednesday, the 30-year-old Thunder center said his original injury was a stress fracture above his right ankle, which better explains his lengthy absence.

Muscala said he’ll address the injury in the offseason and might have surgery.

Muscala, who’s averaging just 13.5 minutes per game this season, down from 18.4 last season, also said that he has taken a “less is more approach” this season and hasn’t practiced much.

Despite Muscala’s ankle injury being more serious than previously known, the nine-year veteran is playing some of the best basketball of his career.

Muscala is shooting a career-high 43% from 3-point range, which is tied for fifthbest in the NBA. Muscala has the highest effective field-goal percentage of his career, and his 1.6 blocks per 36 minutes is his best mark since he was a third-year center in Atlanta.

In five games this season, Muscala has recorded more points than minutes played.

As a stretch five who competes defensively, Muscala is going to be a hot topic in trade rumors leading up to the Feb. 10 trade deadline. He was in a similar position at this time last season.

“I knew it was a possibility that I might be traded, but I was really glad to stay in Oklahoma City,” Muscala said in his exit interview in May.

Muscala got emotional when explaining why.

“Coming to OKC, it was just like — I’m grateful for it, and it helped me a lot as a man and as a player.”

Muscala confirmed his commitment by resigning with the Thunder in August on a twoyear, $7 million deal. He has a $3.5 million team option for next season.

Muscala has been valuable on the floor, as a floor-spacing big for OKC’s young guards — and off the floor, as a trusted mentor for the youngest team in the league. That, combined with his loyalty to the organization and the status of his ankle, clouds the likelihood that he’ll be traded.

Daigneault said Muscala has adjusted to a reduced role, particularly in practices.

“He loves practice,” Daigneault said. “He loves going full-tilt ... Him having to balance that with what’s best for him physically has been a challenge for him.”

When asked if Muscala’s role and usage will be the same in the second half of the season, Daigneault emphasized the importance of getting inexperienced players more opportunities — which was the refrain in the second half of last season for the rebuilding franchise.

Daigneault mentioned Mamadi Diakite as an example. Diakite, a 25-year-old center on a 10-day contract, has played in just 21 NBA games.

“We have no idea if he is a fit here if we don’t throw him out in the game,” Daigneault said. “Sometimes you’re doing that at the expense of playing a guy that you know is a fit here in Mike.

“Those balls are always in the air and we’re always constantly evaluating that.”