Celtics #27 draft pick - Pt. 8 - Shake Milton
The Boston Celtics already have one of the most versatile teams in the NBA, and they want to stay there. That means, when possible, drafting for size, length, defensive switchability and- well - versatility.
SMU's Shake Milton may fit that definition in the latter portion of Round One or early in Round Two. He is 22 years old, 6'6", 210 pounds and 6'11.5" wingspan. This past season, he averaged 18.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.4 APG and 1.1 SPG.
He can play both guard positions and shoots well on field goals, 3-pointers and free throws. Here is some analysis from TheSixersSense's Christopher Kline:"Once his frame fills out, Milton has the tools needed to guard three positions at a high level. He fits the three-and-D mold teams are desperate to find nowadays, all while presenting some additional upside on the offensive end."
Another guy who I think would thrive in Boston who might be available at #27. https://t.co/stwquU5GZ5
— justin quinn (@justinquinnn) June 15, 2018
For the past two post-seasons, the Celtics have spent a lot of time and energy trying to avoid size mismatches involving Isaiah Thomas and Terry Rozier, in addition to remedying them when they occurred. Here is more from TheSixersSense's Christopher Kline: "Milton has excellent measurables for a comboguard, standing 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan. He’s one of the better defensive prospects in the second round, using his length and quickness to choke off passing lanes and irritate opposing ball handlers." A 6'6", long backup combo guard may help alleviate dreaded mismatches.
Milton may never be a star in the NBA, but you don't expect that very often with Second Rounders. In Brad Stevens system, he could eventually become a 3-position substitute and a solid piece of the Boston rotation.
Does SMU's Shake Milton look like a possibility for the Celtics late-first round of early-second round?
— Tom Lane (@TomLaneHC) June 15, 2018
Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC
Photo via Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Video via Malcolm McBee