Utah Jazz: 5 Wings to target in the NBA Draft
By John Keeffer
Shake Milton — SMU, SF, 6’6″
If the Jazz were to release Alec Burks, Shake Milton would be a player I could see them bringing in as a suitable replacement. While Burks is listed as a two guard, he often spent time as the lead ball handler for the Jazz. Milton had a similar role for SMU. He is listed as a shooting guard, but he would often slide over and take over point guard duties.
He has proven to be an effective defensive player, whose lateral quickness and seven-foot wingspan is a terror for opposing guards. He averaged 1.4 steals per game last season with SMU, and could be paired with any number of current Jazz players to form a formidable defensive backcourt.
One of the most impressive notes on Milton is that he had the highest Player Impact Plus-Minus of any guard in the draft.
Many of the player comparisons I have seen liken him to George Hill. Hill thrived under Quin Snyder and his system, and it is very plausible that Milton could as well.
One of the most intriguing parts of Milton’s game is his 3-point shooting. Last season, he converted on 43.4 percent from three. He is also an unselfish player, who could easily fit into a pass-heavy offense. He averaged 18 points per game, but was also able to contribute an impressive 4.4 assists per game.
Remember the name Shake Milton, because he could be an extremely good 3-and-D wing, and one that the Jazz certainly have their eye on.