Who should make up the Sixers’ bench: Shake Milton
It has been an odd year for Shake Milton. On one hand, he has been definitively better than last season, which was a tire fire in virtually every respect. On the other hand, he’s now adjusting to his new role as third guard next to James Harden and Tyrese Maxey, spending less time with the ball in his hands while shooting only 29.1 percent from 3-point range. Add in a slew of injury hurdles, and it has been very difficult to gauge Milton’s real value to the Sixers.
For now, however, he should have one of Doc Rivers’ nine rotation spots locked up. Milton’s 3-point percentage is creeping back, and he’s getting plenty of good looks in his new role. His 20-point explosion in last week’s win over Miami also served as a reminder of just how impactful Milton can be when he’s on. The Sixers’ bench unit has been lacking in explosive power all season, and Milton is a player genuinely capable of exploding on a given night. He can create his own shots and put pressure on the rim, something Philadelphia still needs more of.
Milton is also the best on-ball defender in the second unit right now, which is unfortunate but ultimately integral to his role. At 6-foot-5, Milton boasts an over 7-foot wingspan. He has the length, strength, and mobility to switch across positions and offer real resistance. He is not a world class athlete, but relative to the rest of the second unit, Milton’s defensive tool kit is positively sublime.
The Sixers need the upside of Milton’s offensive game, even if he’s not providing consistent scoring outbursts every night. Doc Rivers and company would be wise to encourage Milton to shoot more 3s off the catch, but nitpicks aside, Milton has earned his spot ahead of the playoffs.