Sixers snag SMU’s Shake Milton 54th overall

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Staff

Towards the end of the second round on Thursday night, the Sixers made a deal with Dallas for the No. 54 pick in exchange for the No. 56 and 60 picks. Philadelphia ended up selecting Southern Methodist guard Shake Milton.

A native of Owasso, Oklahoma, Milton played three seasons at SMU with the most recent one featuring averages of 18 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting just under 45 percent overall and 43.4 percent from beyond the arc. Over his three years in college, the 6-foot-5 guard shot a combined 45.2 percent overall and 42.7 percent from beyond the arc. 

Milton likely won’t find a full-time point guard role but should be able to fill a rotation spot as a sharp-shooting combo-guard off the bench. His potential will ultimately be determined by his growth as a playmaker and as a defender.  [Sports Illustrated]

Milton could be ready to contribute right away because of his shooting. He improved as a free-throw shooter every year—he made 84.7 percent this past season—and he's also been a dependable spot-up shooter, knocking down 43.4 percent of his threes as a junior. He was particularly heating up before his injury, as he went 51.1 percent from deep in conference play. It's fair to wonder whether certain players will be able to adjust to the longer NBA line, but Milton looked comfortable shooting deep threes.

Milton should be able to guard multiple positions because of his length. He is effective using that length to contest shots, and the hooplens.com data speaks volumes about his value on the defensive end, where the Mustangs were 14 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor. – [Bleacher Report]

In Milton and the No. 26 pick Landry Shamet, the Sixers have a clear vision of compiling players with athleticism, defensive reputation and shooting.  Both Shamut and Milton should be able to play important roles off the bench during the 2018-19 season.

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