Ranking the Sixers’ reserves — 5. Shake Milton
By no means is this a knock on Shake Milton, who has demonstrated significant improvement across 11 games this season. He is averaging 12.5 points and 3.2 assists on 44.5 percent shooting, and is slated to make some more appearances in the starting five with Danny Green out.
That said, by default, Milton ranks last among the regular rotation players. He fills an important role on the surface — that of backup point guard — but the Sixers’ offense has proven it can sustain itself without him, and Milton is still the least dynamic 3-point shooter not named Andre Drummond or Matisse Thybulle.
Milton is prone to wavering efficiency, and he’s not the most imposing defender with a player with his physical profile. That said, there aren’t too many negatives to dwell on. The Sixers are deep, and Milton has proven he can affect great change when on the court this season. He’s doubtlessly a benefit to the team right now, and this ranking does not indicate a lack of ability.
The only real threat to Milton’s role is Ben Simmons. If the 6-foot-10 point guard comes out of hibernation, then it complicates Milton’s utility in the rotation. Tyrese Maxey should probably keep his starting spot regardless, but even then, Doc Rivers would be wise to stagger minutes. In that (increasingly unlikely) scenario, Milton is the most expendable reserve currently logging regular minutes.