By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
In the 2022/23 season, Shake Milton played 76 games for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging more than 20 minutes per game, with 8.4 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds. He even had a strong stretch in November 2022, averaging 14.2 points while filling in after injuries to James Harden and Tyrese Maxey.
Following that campaign, Milton signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, after a mid-season trade to the Detroit Pistons, his career took a downturn. From there, he moved to the New York Knicks, then to the Brooklyn Nets, and eventually landed with the Los Angeles Lakers in December 2024.
He had some good moments in L.A., including a 21-point performance off the bench against the Washington Wizards, but his role diminished after the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade. Eventually, the Lakers waived him on July 20.
Just four days later, it was announced that Milton was moving overseas, signing a two-year deal with Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade. He has already started his European adventure, appearing in his first two EuroLeague games and steadily adjusting to new surroundings.
“Yeah, it’s been good. It’s definitely been an experience. The style of the game is a little different, so I’ve been adapting to new times and a new way of doing things over here, but it’s been fun. I just try to be a sponge, soak it all up, keep learning and growing. So far, things have been good,” Shake Milton said to Eurohoops.
In Partizan, Milton has a chance to work with nine-time EuroLeague champion coach Željko Obradović.
“I think he’s a very demanding coach—he wants the best out of you, and he’ll get the best out of you. He’s going to push you, but at the same time, he shows love and shows that he cares. Anytime you have a coach who’s able to balance that, it makes you want to play for him even harder. It’s been fun.”
Even though Milton admits he still needs some time to adjust, he has no doubt everything will fall into place. He showed glimpses of his ability with 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists against Dubai, followed by nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a win over Olimpia Milano.
“The biggest adjustment is just the different style of the game. I’ve been playing one way for seven years, so now I have to adapt. It’s a challenge, but I’m excited. I’ve already started to make some adjustments, and the fun part is knowing I can get even better than I’ve been. I know it’ll all come together.”
Looking back on his NBA days, Milton reflected on sharing the court and locker room with giants like LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
“It was great. They’re incredible talents and great people. You can see how hard they work, and you understand why they are where they are. For me, that was probably the best part—just seeing their work ethic up close.”
During his five years with the 76ers, Milton also had the chance to get to know the 2023 NBA MVP, Joel Embiid.
“That’s my guy. I’ve seen Joel grow—not from when he first came into the league, but pretty early on—and just watching his development has been amazing. When I was playing with him, I thought he was the best player in the world at that time. Seeing who he is as a person and the way he plays—it’s unreal. He’s a really good dude, and I wish him the best.”
Now, Milton finds himself playing in the country of what many consider Embiid’s biggest rival—three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.
“I think, as competitors, they both felt it [rivalry]—whether they admit it or not. As a player, that’s what you want: the two best going at it, seeing who can get the best of who. They’re both generational talents. They do things other people just can’t do, especially at their size. That’s just God-given ability.”
Milton also crossed paths with Boban Marjanović during his NBA journey, without realizing he would one day play in Marjanović’s home country.
“I never really talked to him about Serbia. We played together for a year, I think. Bobi’s a really good person, a really good player. He always brought positive energy—it was always heartfelt and genuine. Just a great dude.”
Interestingly, another of Milton’s former teammates once played in Serbia, and was even briefly a part of Crvena Zvezda – Australian international Jonah Bolden.
“Jonah’s a good dude. With teammates, a lot of times the conversations go beyond basketball—it’s more about life, how you’re doing, your well-being, your mental state. That’s one of the cool things about this basketball journey—you build those kinds of relationships.”
Years after those experiences in the NBA, Milton is now in Europe, settling into life in the EuroLeague. So, what would it mean for him to win it?
“It would mean everything — to me, to our fans, to everyone. That’s the ultimate goal, the one thing we’re all fighting for. That’s the pinnacle,” Shake Milton concluded, speaking to Eurohoops.