Shake Milton discusses role off the bench, Sixers growing chemistry
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The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference due to the fact that they are led by the star duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. However, they also need some help from the supporting cast and the bench unit.
That second unit is led by Shake Milton who has to balance between scoring as well as being the point guard of the unit. It is important for him to get into the paint and create for others while also looking to get into his own offense and give a spark in that aspect.
“I’m looking to just help the team win,” said Milton. “A lot of times, when I’m on the bench, I’m just looking to see kind of what the team needs. What kind of energy that I can provide for them whether it be scoring myself or getting the second unit going with passing and getting other guys involved whatever it really takes.”
Coach Doc Rivers said they have been working with Milton for him to become a better passer as they look to morph him into a point guard off the bench. Rivers will want him to balance a lot of his scoring with getting his teammates involved as well and he had six assists in Thursday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks.
“I think just kind of learning and understanding what coach wants out of the second unit,” he added. “What he sees whenever he’s watching film, the passes that he wants me to make, I’m just trying to be locked into that and play as hard as I can. It’s been rewarding.”
It does help that the team’s chemistry has been much better this season than in years past. The Sixers have been a close-knit group this season and it has shown on the floor in terms of winning and success. That helps a player step into his role and have both individual and team success.
“The chemistry has been great,” Milton beamed. “There’s no cliques, there’s no groups everybody is together, everybody’s as one, and you can definitely see it translating onto the court. Even the group chats be live so it’s been a good thing to be around.”
The Sixers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at home with a 7 p.m. EST tip.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
