His signing for two years, and $10 million, went under the radar, but Shake Milton has joined the Wolves this summer, after spending five seasons with the Sixers (averaging 9.3 points, 2.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds, at 37% from 3-point range).
A new start for this 27-year-old player, who has never really managed to make his mark in Philadelphia, but capable of occupying the 1/2 positions and who will now bring all his versatility to the back lines of Minnesota.
“ The best in me comes out when my back is against the wall so when you have these opportunities and you want to prove your worth, you go out on the pitch and you play free, confident and aggressive. I have the feeling that when I am able to do this, I am at my best “, explained the one whoduring November 2022, came close to averaging 20 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds over ten games, when James Harden and Tyrese Maxey were absent.
Settle into an NBA rotation for good
Enough to justify the enthusiasm of the Wolves management towards the unpredictable Shake Milton.
“ When he had a regular role, he was a very good player », noted thus Tim Connelly, the president of the franchise, at the origin of his recruitment. “ His ability to get into the paint and make late finishes or passes can benefit us. »
“ We discussed him a lot internally and we are so happy and surprised, much more than imagined », declared for his part Chris Finchhis coach, after Minnesota’s first preseason game.
More aggressiveness in scoring
In Abu Dhabi, Shake Milton demonstrated that he had the qualities to become a key player for Wolves coming off the bench. First scoring 12 points in 20 minutes (5/6 shooting) in an easy victory against Dallas, before being more discreet, but without losing efficiency (4 points and 3 assists in 15 minutes), in a new success calm in the face of these same Mavericks.
“ I believe in my qualities, I am confident and I have the feeling that with this role, I will be able to leave my mark [sur l’équipe] and try to help him win. That’s all I want to do », assured the 54th choice of the 2018 Draft.
Replacing Jaylen Nowell in the Minnesota rotation, and therefore called upon to be Chris Finch’s 7th/8th man, Shake Milton will have the primary mission of relieving Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards in the Minneapolis backcourt.
“ He plays very well in our system, but I want him to be more aggressive in scoring », Already warned his coach, after the second Wolves pre-season match. Proof that he still has to get used to his new status.
| Shake Milton | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | PHL | 20 | 13 | 39.1 | 31.8 | 71.4 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 4.4 |
| 2019-20 | PHL | 40 | 20 | 48.4 | 43.0 | 78.5 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 9.4 |
| 2020-21 | PHL | 63 | 23 | 45.0 | 35.0 | 83.0 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 13.0 |
| 2021-22 | PHL | 55 | 21 | 42.9 | 32.3 | 83.6 | 0.6 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 8.2 |
| 2022-23 | PHL | 76 | 21 | 47.9 | 37.8 | 85.3 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 8.4 |
| Total | 254 | 21 | 45.5 | 36.5 | 82.8 | 0.5 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 9.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
