The Sixers will presumably be looking to add cheap pieces to their roster if their plan to resign Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler goes smoothly. However, they may already have a cheap contributor on their bench in the form of Shake Milton.
Milton is a 6’6 combo guard, drafted 54th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, who traded him to the 76ers. He only played in 20 games for the team last season, averaging 4.4 points and 1.8 rebounds. Milton also spent time playing with the Sixers G-League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. He played in 27 games with the team while putting up 24.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists in nearly 35 minutes per game.
Coming into the league, Milton was projected to be a secondary playmaker and shooter off the bench. His height allows him to pass over smaller players, letting him find his teammates where most wouldn’t expect it. He can also knock down jumpers at a steady clip. Doesn’t he sound exactly like what the Sixers need?
Milton was a 42.7% 3 point shooter through 3 seasons at Southern Methodist University. His scoring numbers increased every year, jumping from 10.5 points to 18 points in his final season. Check out some clips of him dominating in college.
Not only can Milton score from anywhere but he can also pass. While he may not be the most naturally gifted passer on the floor, he’s not a bad one. He’s a decent playmaker who doesn’t try to get too flashy. He’s not very creative with the ball but his ability to recognize and make the simple pass is what makes him capable of playing 1-3.
As good of a player as Milton is, he also has some negatives. His lack of athleticism is one of his biggest flaws. Milton registered a 33 inch vertical at last year’s NBA Draft Combine which was one of the lowest marks of the event. His underwhelming leaping ability, strength, and inefficiency at the rim really hurt his draft stock.
Luckily for Milton, the Sixers don’t need a slashing guard. They need someone who can hit open shots and be a secondary ball handler on the second unit. Assuming the Sixers bring him back, he’d be a perfect fit. With the experience that he’s gained this past season, Milton should be ready to fight for a roster spot this summer and prove why he’s the backup guard that the Sixers have been missing.
