Shake Milton

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    Image of Player Shake Milton

    Shake Milton Bio

    Malik Benjamin Shake Milton, known professionally as Shake Milton, is an American professional basketball player who competes for Partizan Mozzart Bet across Serbia’s KLS, the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League, and the EuroLeague. Born on September 26, 1996, in Owasso, Oklahoma, Milton built his reputation as a versatile scoring guard during a multi-year NBA career before moving overseas. He is recognized for a smooth shooting stroke, the nickname “Sniper Shake,” and a career arc that took him from a second-round draft pick to a contributor on several playoff-bound teams.

    Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and listed at 205 pounds, Milton plays primarily as a shooting guard and point guard. After starring at Southern Methodist University (SMU), he was selected 54th overall in the 2018 NBA draft and has since suited up for the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. In the summer of 2025, he signed a two-year contract with Partizan, beginning the European chapter of his professional career.

    Early Life and Background

    Milton was born in Owasso, Oklahoma, and raised in the same community that shaped his early love for basketball. He is the son of Myrion Milton, who played college basketball for the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles and later the Texas A&M Aggies. That family connection to the sport became a defining influence, as his father’s journey through college hoops gave young Shake a firsthand view of what competitive basketball demanded on and off the court.

    The nickname “Shake” was derived from his father’s longtime nickname of “Milk.” Milton was still a freshman at Owasso High School when his father died, an event that shaped his personal motivation and fueled his drive to compete. He has spoken about carrying his father’s legacy forward through his own work ethic and performances.

    Path to Basketball

    Milton attended Owasso High School, where he played under Coach Mark Vancuren and emerged as one of the top guards in the state of Oklahoma. He earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors for Oklahoma in both the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, while averaging 29.7 points and 4.4 assists as a senior. His senior year also brought Tulsa World Player of the Year, Oklahoma Super 5 Player of the Year, and Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State recognition.

    Named a First-team Parade All-American in 2015, Milton was a high-priority recruit who ultimately chose SMU over the University of Oklahoma and Indiana University. His commitment to the Mustangs launched a three-year college career that prepared him for the next level.

    Shake Milton Career

    Early Career (2015-2018)

    In his freshman season at SMU, Milton appeared in 30 games with 23 starts, averaging 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest. He earned AAC All-Rookie Team honors and joined the US Select Team for the 2016 Goodwill Tour in Croatia, gaining international exposure before his sophomore year.

    As a sophomore in 2016-17, Milton started all 35 games and produced 13.0 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per outing, earning Second-team All-AAC recognition. His junior season in 2017-18 saw him average 18.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals across 22 games before a broken right hand cut the campaign short. He was again named Second-team All-AAC.

    Philadelphia 76ers Breakthrough (2018-2023)

    Milton was selected 54th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA draft and traded on draft night to the Philadelphia 76ers. He signed a two-way contract on July 26, 2018, splitting his rookie season between Philadelphia and the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League. Milton made his NBA debut on November 30, 2018, against the Washington Wizards with five points and two assists, and appeared in 20 games for the 76ers as a rookie while averaging 24.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 27 G League contests.

    Before the 2019-20 season, Milton signed a four-year deal with Philadelphia. After returning from an early injury, he logged his first NBA start on January 25, 2020, against the Los Angeles Lakers and set a career high with 39 points on March 1, 2020, in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. In that same stretch, he tied an NBA record for most consecutive made three-pointers over a span of three games, cementing his breakout role with the Sixers.

    Minnesota Timberwolves Era (2023-2024)

    Milton signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 9, 2023, beginning a brief Western Conference stint. He provided bench scoring throughout the season, highlighted by 17 points, 1 assist, and 2 rebounds in a 127-103 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies on December 8, 2023. His time in Minnesota kept him connected to a playoff-caliber roster and offered a fresh start after his Sixers tenure.

    Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks (2024)

    On February 7, 2024, Milton was traded to the Detroit Pistons alongside Troy Brown Jr. and a future second-round pick. He appeared in a handful of games for Detroit, including a 13-point, 9-rebound performance off the bench against the Phoenix Suns on February 14, 2024, before agreeing to a buyout on March 1, 2024. Four days later, he signed with the New York Knicks, continuing a busy 2024 stretch.

    Brooklyn Nets (2024)

    Milton was included in a July 6, 2024 sign-and-trade deal that sent him to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the Mikal Bridges package. He produced a 22-point bench game against the Orlando Magic on November 29, 2024, and scored 20 points in a 111-105 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on December 26, 2024. His only start as a Net came on December 27, 2024, against the San Antonio Spurs, where he posted a 16-point, 10-assist double-double in his final appearance for the franchise.

    Los Angeles Lakers (2024-2025)

    On December 29, 2024, Milton was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the D’Angelo Russell deal. His top performance with the Lakers came on January 30, 2025, when he recorded 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds off the bench in a 134-96 win over the Washington Wizards. The Lakers waived Milton on July 20, 2025, opening the door for his move abroad.

    Partizan Mozzart Bet Era (2025-Present)

    On July 24, 2025, Milton signed a two-year contract with Partizan Mozzart Bet, joining the Serbian powerhouse for the 2025-26 season. He is expected to provide backcourt scoring and perimeter shot creation across the KLS, ABA League, and EuroLeague schedules, marking his first full season of European basketball after seven NBA campaigns.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    Among Milton’s signature moments are his 39-point outburst against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020 and his NBA-record-tying streak of consecutive made three-pointers. He has also delivered impactful bench performances for multiple franchises, including a 21-point Lakers game against the Washington Wizards and a 22-point outing with the Brooklyn Nets versus the Orlando Magic.

    Shake Milton Family

    Family Background and Basketball Lineage

    Milton is the son of the late Myrion Milton, who played college basketball at Oklahoma Wesleyan and Texas A&M. His father’s path through college athletics inspired Shake’s own dedication to the game, and the two shared a close bond before Myrion’s passing during Shake’s freshman year of high school. The nickname “Shake” is a tribute to his father’s lifelong nickname of “Milk.”

    Personal Life

    Outside of basketball, Milton is widely known by the additional nickname “Sniper Shake,” a nod to his shooting reputation. Public details about his personal relationships remain limited, and he has primarily shared his journey through the lens of family, basketball, and the lessons passed down from his father.

    2025 Season Performance

    Milton’s 2025 calendar was split between the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and his new club, Partizan Mozzart Bet. After a steady bench role in Brooklyn and a high-efficiency Lakers debut season, he joined Partizan in late July to begin a new chapter in European basketball. The two-year deal signals long-term commitment to competing for trophies across three competitions.

    Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Partizan will lean on Milton’s perimeter scoring and shot creation across the KLS, ABA League, and EuroLeague. His ability to play both guard spots should give the Serbian club flexibility in rotation and pace. If he adjusts quickly to the European style, Milton could emerge as one of the more reliable American scorers in the region this season.