2. Shake Milton’s role
In the 10 games before the season was suspended, Shake Milton averaged 16.5 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. He shot 59.2 percent from deep on healthy volume, and he was essentially the Sixers’ No. 3 option behind Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris.
Many expect Milton to start once the season resumes — myself included. He still has a very small sample size of productive basketball under his belt, but Milton has the appearance of the real deal. He’s a blistering-hot shooter, an under-appreciated playmaker, and a passable defender on the perimeter.
The Sixers need Milton to put pressure on the rim and create for others in the halfcourt. He’s no point guard, but when paired next to Simmons in a postseason setting, it could unlock both their skill sets. And even if Milton struggles to playmake, he’s arguably the best shooter on the team. He needs significant minutes.
Philadelphia will need to substitute for Milton’s shot creation in the second unit, but some combination of Alec Burks and Raul Neto could fill the void. Plus, once the postseason starts, it’s reasonable to stagger Milton and Simmons for 48 minutes a night.
If Milton doesn’t earn the fifth starting spot — which, again, he should — then his role will likely invoke the sixth man label. Brown seems intent on using Milton in an expanded capacity, which is only right when one considers his hand-in-glove fit.