2018 NBA Mock Draft: A way-too-early look ahead

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) poses with the trophy after winning the John Wooden Award as the most valuable player for the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 21, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs guard Shake Milton (1) drives on Houston Cougars guard Galen Robinson Jr. (25) in the second half at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The absence of hype behind SMU Mustangs point guard Shake Milton is one of the more puzzling developments in the NBA Draft. He has elite size for his position, an outstanding 3-point shot, NBA-caliber athleticism, and the court vision to be a facilitator at the next level.

Milton compares quite favorably to projected 2017 Top 10 draft pick Frank Ntilikina, and teams should begin holding him in similarly high esteem.

Milton last measured at 6’7″, but is believed to be a 6’6″ point guard with a muscular 205-pound frame and a near 7’0″ wingspan. Over the past two seasons, he’s converted 134 3-point field goals on 42.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc—and he’s been incredibly consistent.

Milton drained 52 3-point field goals on 42.6 percent shooting as a freshman, and dropped in 82 3-point field goals on 42.3 percent shooting as a sophomore.

Furthermore, between 2015-16 and 2016-17, Milton increased his assists per 40 average by 1.8 while committing just 0.1 more turnover. He finished with an average of 5.1 assists per 40 minutes as a sophomore, and boasted an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.49.

Milton will need to improve his defensive consistency, but a 6’6″ point guard who facilitates, shoots the lights out, and takes care of the ball should be coveted.