Shake Milton 'Already Adopted' Knicks Mindset After Signing
Having worn the colors of a rival city for five seasons, it might take New York Knicks fans some time to get used to cheering for Shake Milton.
Milton is the newest Knick after signing earlier last week, making his way onto the roster just prior to the playoff eligibility deadline. Perhaps trained to hate the Knicks as a Philadelphia 76er, Milton has nonetheless held an appreciation for his divisional rivals, particularly their ability to dominate on the defensive end.
"(They're) a tough team defensively, (have a) togetherness about them," Milton declared, per Steve Popper of Newsday. "Every single night they're going to go in and fight, and it's not going to be an easy night for you. I feel like I've already adopted that mindset. Being around the guys, it hasn't been too long, but just at shootaround and seeing how they work, and the attention to detail, you can see everybody is locked in."
Brad Penner, USA TODAY SPORTS
Milton was a depth star in Philadelphia, notably earning Sixth Man of the Year consideration during his third year in 2020-21. He began this season with the Minnesota Timberwolves before he was dealt to Detroit at the trade deadline. Four games with the Pistons awaited before he was waived, bringing him to his current dwelling in Manhattan.
If and when he takes the floor, Milton is expected to help with the team's dwindling depth in the backcourt and his signing appeared to be particularly timely once star point guard Jalen Brunson was forced to leave Sunday's game in Cleveland with a knee injury.
The Knicks (36-26) might've gotten off relatively easy when it comes to Brunson's ailment, as he's listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Orlando Magic (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG). But, per Popper's report, head coach Tom Thibodeau says that Milton will be "situational," effectively rendering him one of the last men off the bench.
That's perfectly fine with Milton, who sought any way he could help a contending roster prepare for the postseason.
“I didn’t want any promises or anything like that," he said in Popper's report. "I knew my job was to come in, be a part of the team, work hard, and be ready for any opportunity. Honestly, that’s what I was looking for. Just to be able to join these guys, get under (head coach Tom Thibodeau) and really just study, learn, and be prepared.”
