Shake Milton is a junior guard with a great frame for his position, standing at nearly 6’7 with a 6’11.5 wingspan. He played 36 minutes per game and averaged 18 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.7 RPG, 1.4 SPG, and averaged 2.3 TOPG on shooting splits of 45/43/85.
Height/Weight: 6’7/205
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’11.5/ NA
Position: G
College/ country: SMU
Tools: Size, shooting
Pros:
- Shot projects to translate well
- Outstanding size and length for a guard
- Good vision, helped by height
- Good rebounder for his position
- Can penetrate well- gets to the basket easily
Cons:
- Shot selection needs to improve
- Shot creation is average at best
- Inconsistent jumper- mechanics sometimes change
- Sometimes passive; scared to get blocked
- Defensive habits- sometimes takes unnecessary risks
- Poor finisher at the rim- shot 58% at the rim in 2017-18
- Basic ball handler- doesn’t display advanced ball handling skills in game
Overall: Shake Milton’s feature of a jump shot, which flashes some inconsistencies in mechanics, makes him well-sized for both a point guard and a 2 guard. He can spot up and pull up off the dribble, but his assist rate is quite low for a point guard. His height gives him incredible vision to see above the defense, and his vision may be near the best in the class. His jump shot measures close towards the best in the class with a 43% 3 point percentage overall and 43% from NBA 3 on over 100 attempts. Shake Milton needs to improve as an advanced ball handler, otherwise his position may be limited to shooting guard. Many of Milton’s inconsistencies and habits can easily be fixed with NBA coaching, but it may not happen overnight.
Fit with Mavericks:
Milton does well with the Pick & roll and has displayed good transition in uptempo situations, which allows for him to better adjust to the NBA pace. As a P&R ball handler and a shooter with size, he appears to be a great fit with the Mavericks. I project him to be available when the Mavericks pick at 34, meaning Shake Milton staying in Dallas could be a real possibility. He will need to improve inconsistencies on his jump shot, as well as needing to learn to improve his finishing at the rim.
In the meantime, with JJ Barea, Yogi Ferrell (RFA), and Dennis Smith Jr on the roster, Milton would have a low pressure situation. He could use time to develop in the G-League while also playing low pressure minutes or injury reserve time. JJ Barea’s injury history has been somewhat concerning over the last two seasons, which could open up a door for Milton in 2018-19 as Barea enters his age 34 season. With the help of assistant coach God Shammgod, Milton’s ball handling progression should be smooth. If Milton can continue his shooting levels and P&R success, both huge traits for Rick Carlisle’s point guards, he will thrive in Dallas. Milton is a first round talent, and if the Mavericks can draft Milton, they will have a dynamic duo at point guard for years to come.
While point guard isn’t a need, I believe the Mavericks’ philosophy in the second round of the draft should be to purely draft the best player available regardless of position.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Wade Baldwin; ceiling: Elfrid Payton with a better jump shot
Projected draft range: 25-35
