Fearless Scorer Shake Milton Joins Hapoel Jerusalem Aiming for EuroCup Glory

Hapoel Jerusalem officially announced the signing of guard Shake Milton on July 31, 2026. Milton, who arrived in the EuroLeague last season after a notable NBA career, joins the Israeli capital’s team with ambitions to win the EuroCup. Milton’s journey includes a challenging rookie season with Partizan Belgrade, where he struggled to adapt and faced injuries, but now he aims to revitalize his career in Jerusalem.

Milton’s nickname originated before his birth, inspired by his father Myron Milton’s college moniker "Milk." Growing up in Oklahoma and playing college basketball at SMU, Milton was drafted 54th overall in 2018. Unlike many late draft picks, he played 359 NBA games, steadily improving from a 4.4 points-per-game rookie season to becoming a significant contributor, notably during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. A memorable moment was a heated sideline altercation with Joel Embiid in the 2019-20 season, which ultimately strengthened their relationship and Milton’s standing on the team.

After five seasons with Philadelphia, Milton signed a $5 million contract with Minnesota but struggled with shooting efficiency, leading to stints with several NBA teams including Detroit, New York, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers released him in July 2025, after which he signed with Partizan Belgrade. Despite high expectations, Milton’s EuroLeague season was disappointing due to injuries and poor shooting, averaging 6.9 points and 25.7% from three-point range in 23 games.

Milton now transitions from one coach named Obradović to another, joining Hapoel Jerusalem where he is expected to play primarily as a shooting guard. The team’s roster, featuring former NBA players David Roddy and Kenneth Lofton Jr., should provide Milton with the physical support and space to create shots. His strengths include pick-and-roll play, aggressive scoring, and drawing fouls. However, his shooting remains a concern, with declining three-point percentages from his NBA peak to his recent European play.

Hapoel Jerusalem’s EuroCup campaign offers Milton a chance to regain confidence and improve his shooting, potentially securing a key role alongside Jared Harper. While his career trajectory shows a decline from the NBA to EuroLeague and now EuroCup, his defensive toughness, length, and experience could make him a valuable asset. The club is building a strong squad aiming to return to the EuroLeague by the 2027-28 season, with Milton’s performance a critical factor in that pursuit.