Philadelphia 76ers: Don’t worry about Shake Milton’s 3-point percentage

After missing the first four games of the regular season due to injury, Shake Milton has fit right into the Philadelphia 76ers. Coincidently, his return has coincided with the Sixers going on a six-game winning streak.

During his first six games of the season, Milton has averaged 11.7 points, 3.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.3 turnovers, while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from the 3-point line. Of those stats, the 3-point percentage is the one that probably concerns fans the most. However, fans shouldn’t be near the panic button regarding Milton’s ability to be a good player this season.

Milton’s 3-point percentage shouldn’t worry the Philadelphia 76ers nor their fans.

As stated in the first paragraph of this article, since he has returned to the lineup, the Sixers are on a six-game winning streak. His ability to play point guard has really stabilized the rotation despite several other players missing due to injuries or COVID protocols. His play has clearly added to the 76ers not taking away from their chemistry on the court.

Another small thing to consider is that the NBA has switched the brand of ball that they played with this year and as a result, several players have struggled to the adjustment. Even Joel Embiid made it clear he was struggling with the switch, per Rich Hoffman of The Athletic. With that in mind, let’s give Milton more time to figure things out.

The other thing to consider is that this isn’t the first time that Milton had a slow start from the 3-point line. Last season, in the month of December for the first five games, he shot 26.3 percent from deep in five games. By the end of that season, he shot 35.0 percent from downtown, so history is in his favor as well.

Even if takes Milton takes a while to improve from behind the arc, he’s improved in other areas of his game that make him an offensive threat. He’s become a very good shooter inside the arc. He’s shooting 61.1 percent on 2-pointers. He’s also become an elite finisher at the rim. He’s shot 81.8 percent from 0-3 feet from the rim and he’s shooting at least 50.0 percent or more from 16 feet and in from the basket.

Milton’s improved greatly from inside the arc and there’s a good chance his 3-point percentage will improve as the season goes on. His play has been positive to the Philadelphia 76ers’ success and fans shouldn’t be worried about his outside shot moving forward.