Despite losing two All-Star level guards James Harden and Tyrese Maxey to injuries, the Philadelphia 76ers haven’t missed much of a beat going 4-2 with both guards out. One of the big reasons for the Sixers’ success is the play of Shake Milton.
Milton showed flashes of great play in his second season, but that had all been forgotten due to inconsistent play and injuries. However, during the past six games, Milton has reminded the NBA just how good he can be.
Sixers backup guard Milton is earning a starting job next season.
In the past six games that Milton has started, Milton has averaged 23.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists, while converting 53.8 percent of the 3-point line. It should be noted that he’s averaged 38.7 minutes per game during this stretch.
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Let’s be clear, this is a small sample size, but teams with cap space next offseason shouldn’t be ignoring it either. Milton should start to make blips on their radars especially if he continues to play this way with the Sixers’ depth being depleted.
Milton has shown he can run an offense and create for himself as well. Let’s be clear, it’s doubtful that Milton can sustain this elite play, but he can be a pretty good player over a long span of time. Teams might call Philly during the trade deadline for Milton, but the 76ers should hold onto it unless they get blown away with a trade due to their title aspirations.
The Sixers might lose Milton in free agency for nothing and that might be a pill they will have to swallow based on his potential future contract and their salary cap situation. If that happens, Milton will have his choice of teams with open starting positions based on this great play.