Sixers: Ranking every bench player in order of importance

Ranking every Sixers bench player — 6. Shake Milton

Doc Rivers will probably ride with Shake Milton because that’s his modus operandi as a coach. He sticks with his guys for better and worse, and last season, Milton was certainly one of “his guys.” The Sixers need guards, and Milton can still contribute as a secondary shot creator and shooter.

Unfortunately, if last season was any indication, Milton simply isn’t very good. When he’s hitting difficult contested jumpers, all is peachy. When those tough shots aren’t falling, however, Milton lacks the athleticism, defensive prowess, and basketball I.Q. necessary to contribute at a high level.

Even so, the Sixers do need guards. Milton’s ability to occasionally break down the defense in the halfcourt is a useful skill, and it becomes more important with the sudden loss of George Hill. Rivers has been open to multi-guard lineups in the past (a good thing), and now Milton is really the only guard who can get slotted in next to Tyrese Maxey.

Last season was weird for a number of reasons, so Milton could swiftly silence my doubts and bounce back in 2019-20 form. If he’s hitting shots at that level, he’s several spots higher on the list. Until that happens, consider me skeptical of his long-term value in Philly, even with a skill set the Sixers covet.