The Brooklyn Nets are down a point guard after trading de facto captain Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors. In fact, the frequently injured Ben Simmons is their only nominal point guard, amping up the pressure on both him and Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez. However, Brooklyn could explore unconventional options, like giving combo guard Shake Milton more responsibility.
Nets’ Dennis Schroder Trade Opens Up Door For Cult Hero Shake Milton
The primary playmaker in his days at SMU, Milton’s shiftiness and scoring punch could make him the best in-house replacement for Schroder.
Five seasons ago, a younger Milton scored a career-high 39 points while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. At the time, he was tearing it up for their G League affiliate, averaging 21.0 points per game. The former second-round pick then managed to have at least one 30-point game in 2020-21 and 2021-22, helping him develop a minor cult following. Indeed, he had his best season in 2020-21, posting 13.0 points and 3.1 assists per game while earning votes for Sixth Man of the Year.
This season, he’s averaging a modest 6.2 points and 2.1 assists in 16.3 minutes per game. However, he’s been more aggressive in his past nine contests, averaged 11.1 points and 3.0 assists in 24.4 minutes per game in that stretch.
In many ways, Milton’s story is similar to that of teammate Cam Thomas.
Prior to the Nets decision to move on from former head coach Jacque Vaughn, Thomas was a persona non grata, pigeonholed as a second unit spark plug. While he possessed a starter-level talent, Vaughn was more focused on what he wasn’t as a player. At 28 years old, Milton now has less time to hone his other skills than Thomas. However, like the Virginia native, he’s more than just microwave scorer.
Free Agent Options
There are multiple point guards that Brooklyn could look to sign as free agents. As of today, the Nets have one two-way contract available. However, they can free up a spot on their standard 15-man roster with a trade or by waiving the recently acquired De’Anthony Melton, who won’t play a game for the Nets before his contract expires due to a torn ACL.
Dennis Smith Jr.
The Nets appreciated what 2017 No. 9 pick Dennis Smith Jr. brought to the locker room and on the court last season. Under Fernandez, Brooklyn has a bit more of a serious demeanor. Nonetheless, Smith’s lighthearted off-court persona could help the team stay level-headed during tough stretches. On the court, his seasoned playmaking, rim pressure, and perimeter defense are all valuable tools.
Markelle Fultz
2017 No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz shares many of Smith’s traits, especially on the hardwood. A former top-three pick who played for the Orlando Magic last season, the Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to have interest in him. However, if he had the option could choose the Nets over the Lakers as he’s more likely to receive consistent playing time with the former.
Elfrid Payton
The New Orleans Pelicans dumped 30-year-old Elfrid Payton less than a week after he recorded a single-game career-high of 21 assists during a narrow loss to the Indiana Pacers. Like Smith and Fultz, Payton fails to strike fear in his opponents from beyond the arc. Nonetheless, if Brooklyn is looking for a savvy facilitator who can deliver the ball on time and on target, there might not be a better option.
Bryce Cotton
Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton is reportedly receiving interest from NBA teams. Though he wouldn’t become available until the spring, non-contenders could be among those who have their eye on the scoring-minded guard. If the Nets view him as a valuable but affordable veteran and Cotton is looking for a long-term home rather than a pit stop, he could be a great fit in New York.
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