Philadelphia 76ers: Top 5 most impactful players from 2019-20 season

4. SHAKE MILTON

After a quiet rookie season debut, fans’ expectations weren’t very high for Shake Milton going into 2019. To make things worse for Milton, a knee sprain and bone bruise sidelined him early in the season. Bouncing back-and-forth between the G-League Bluecoats and the 76ers, Milton was eventually sat down to discuss his role in the rotation. Coach Brett Brown revealed that Milton would not be playing much the rest of the season. As it happens often though, teammate injuries provided Milton with minutes that he would not take for granted.

Shake Milton’s impact on the team garnered national attention. His production was a welcoming surprise. Since his rookie season, his scoring and assist averages have more than doubled, and his three point percentage is up to 45 percent. In the span of games where he scored a career high 39 points against the Clippers and tied an NBA record for three pointers consecutively made, Milton earned an appearance on ESPN’s The Jump.

Whether he was playing point guard or shooting guard, Milton proved that he could put the ball in the hoop at an impressive rate. His three point shot was deadly to opponents, and his willingness to drive the lane was relentless, finishing with either hand. When Milton was on the floor, he gave the team much-needed offensive potency that was lacking when the shot clock was running down and they needed  a good look.

Some speculate that Milton’s success is too small of a sample size to predict future productivity. One thing is certain, when the NBA season re-emerges, he won’t hesitate to put this speculation to rest.