The Sixer Sense
Fansided

4 Offseason tasks the Philadelphia 76ers should already be working on

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles up the court in the second half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 23, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 23: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles up the court in the second half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 23, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
4 of 4

Shake Milton Contract

This may seem like a minor off-season consideration when compared to the prior three slides, but I would counter that re-signing Shake Milton is likely more important than you think. I have previously written about the importance of the Sixers re-singing Shake. Over the last four seasons, he has likely been on the most team-friendly contract in the NBA. He has made just under $7 million over those four years and has been a key contributor off the bench for this team.

Shake is averaging 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 20 minutes per game so far this season. I know those numbers are not eye-popping, but for a bench player to consistently provide those stats when the starters need a break can be the difference between a win and a loss come playoffs.

My main discussion point every time the topic of Shake comes up is the fact that he can create his own shot and essentially get to the basket at will. A lot of starters in the league cannot do that. Some of your favorite three-point shooters currently in the league, who will remain nameless here, are catch-and-shoot players who need others to set them up to get their points. Having a versatile point guard running the second unit that is not dependent on others is rare.

There have also been moments over Shake’s tenure in Philly, most notably during the 2020-21 season, when he stepped into the starting lineup and showed flashes of brilliance. He had a nine-game stretch from the end of February to early March of 2021 when Ben Simmons was injured, where he averaged 18 points per game as a starter, including a 39-point, career-high game, against the Los Angeles Clippers.

In these nine starts, Shake shot a remarkable 60% from the three-point range and 57% from the field in total. These are not outlier statistics either. Shake has proven when given extra minutes he can score serious points and his dependability as a role player on this current team proves he is a valuable asset the Sixers should strive to re-sign after this season.