Shake Milton has embarked on a new chapter by signing with Partizan BC, following his recent departure from the Los Angeles Lakers. This transition, occurring just days after he was waived by the Lakers last Sunday, represents a strategic move for the 28-year-old guard aiming to rediscover his potential within Europe’s competitive basketball environment.
Milton’s Transition to European Basketball
The ABA League confirmed Milton’s new engagement with Partizan BC on Thursday through their official X/Twitter account, announcing,
OFFICIAL: Partizan BC have a new player in their roster and he is coming to the black-and-white team straight from the Lakers. Malik Benjamin ‘Shake’ Milton joins the black-and-white on a 2-year deal.
This two-year contract marks Milton’s departure from the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA and entry into a league known for its high level of competition and opportunities for growth.
Professional Background and Career Trajectory
Shake Milton began his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers, spending five seasons developing his skills and contributing as a guard. Throughout the 2023-24 season, he also played briefly for multiple NBA teams including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks. His most recent stint with the Lakers started at the end of December after a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, signaling a hope for resurgence that, ultimately, did not materialize.
Challenges Faced During NBA Tenure
Milton faced difficulties establishing a consistent role with the Lakers, where his performance reflected modest production. Across 30 appearances, he averaged 3.9 points per game, with shooting percentages of 43.3% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range, numbers that fell short of both his and the team‘s expectations. These struggles contrast with earlier periods in his career when he demonstrated more offensive impact.
Previous High Points Indicate Untapped Potential
During the 2020-21 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Milton averaged 13.0 points per contest, highlighting his offensive capabilities. Furthermore, in a limited nine-game stretch in the 2022-23 season, he impressed by posting an average of 20.6 points per game while stepping up due to teammates’ injuries. These glimpses of scoring prowess suggest that Milton’s recent setbacks may not fully reflect his talent and ability to contribute significantly to a team.
An Opportunity to Rebuild and Reignite His Career
Joining Partizan BC offers Milton a valuable opportunity to rebuild his confidence and showcase his abilities in a new setting. Success in Europe’s demanding leagues could provide the platform he needs to enhance his consistency and reclaim attention from NBA scouts and executives. His two-year commitment reflects both trust from Partizan and Milton’s intention to make a meaningful impact abroad.
The Broader Implications of Milton’s Move
Shake Milton’s decision to continue his basketball journey in Europe underscores the broader reality faced by many professional players who seek opportunities beyond the NBA when circumstances change. His move to Partizan BC not only represents a chance for personal and professional growth but also highlights the increasingly global nature of basketball careers. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Milton can leverage this new environment to propel himself back into top-level competition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is his name Shake Milton?
A. Milton’s father, Myrion Milton, played college basketball for the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles and the Texas A&M Aggies. Milton’s nickname, “Shake,” comes from his dad’s nickname, “Milk.”
Q. Why is he called Shake Milton?
A. His real name is Malik Benjamin Milton, but most people know him as Shake. This nickname comes from his father, Myron. Milton’s mom, Lisa, explains that Myron grew quickly as a teenager, leading friends to joke, “You must be drinking lots of milk!”
Q. Why do they call him Shake Milton?
A. Before I was born, people started calling me Shake. I’ve been known as Shake my entire life. It wasn’t shocking to me that teammates and coaches didn’t realize Shake isn’t my real name.