Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 41 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Ty Delbridge
1. Shake Milton
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 207 lbs
- Age: 21
- Position: SG/PG
Shake Milton declared for the draft after playing three seasons at SMU. He’s a 6’6” guard with a 7’0.75” wingspan, has point guard skills, can shoot, rebound and plays hard on defense. Milton was a guy who was high on draft boards early in the season, but injuries and a lousy performance at the draft combine have hurt his stock as of late. ESPN has Milton ranked as the 40th-best prospect.
Last season at SMU, he averaged 18.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.4 steals in 36.4 minutes per game while shooting 44.9 from the field and 43.4 percent from the 3-point line.
Milton was the primary guy at SMU this year after Semi Ojeleye and Sterling Brown declared for the draft last season. Milton will be better in the NBA with more space to work with and with defenses not keying on him every time he touches the ball.
Milton seems like a perfect selection for general manager John Hammond, who likes bigger guards who have basketball skills and long arms. Milton has first-round caliber talent and if he’s still available, would be too good to pass up on at No. 41. He can play both point guard, shooting guard and maybe even some small forward. His skill-set would pair well with the guys the Magic have.
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His physical tools, shooting ability and ball-handling should allow him to see playing time early on in his career. He is compared to Delon Wright, George Hill and a better scoring Michael Carter-Williams. If he is still available in the second round, Milton is a low-risk, high-reward prospect for the Orlando Magic.