The Philadelphia 76ers may not be an active bunch in the 2025 NBA Playoffs thanks to the icky campaign they turned in, but the narratives surrounding them, or at the very least, involving some of their former players, persist to this day. For those in dire need of a lore, the 76ers can still get up there, albeit from the background.
From James Harden giving 76ers fans some angst against Daryl Morey in hindsight thanks to his standout performances with the Clippers to Ben Simmons doing the complete opposite and making fans in Philly feel vindicated, the franchise has still found a way to remain relevant, at least from the usual fan’s viewpoint.
Yet there is one more mini-narrative concerning a former 76ers cager that gets buried — Shake Milton. The 28-year-old has gotten tossed around like a hot potato since leaving the franchise back in 2023, and this could very well be the playoffs stint that dictates his fate in the league.
Unfortunately, things aren’t looking good for him.
Former 76ers wing Shake Milton faces a grim future in the league
In a span of just two seasons since exiting Philadelphia, Milton has suited up for five teams in total. Last season, he split time in Minnesota, Detroit, and New York. In this campaign, he started the season off as part of Brooklyn’s roster before finding himself in Los Angeles.
Given this current status quo, it would be tough to sell himself well to another team. Hence, there is no doubt that these playoffs could decide his fate in the league.
But the thing going against him in this regard is the fact that the Lakers, as constructed, have little need for him at the moment aside from being a bench filler. Head coach JJ Redick has already installed a short eight-man rotation, and that stands to subsist for now.
Having said that, should Minnesota’s clear advantage in bench scoring continue, that could open an opportunity for Milton to sniff the court. As 76ers fans know very well, he can quickly get hot and score from anywhere as long as he finds his rhythm.
That’s a bunch of what-ifs just to get to see Shake Milton get on the hardwood once again, but Philadelphia 76ers fans certainly hopes he sticks in the league. Hopefully, he can get that much-needed breakthrough he deserves to prove his case to prospective buyers.