Sixers select Alabama guard Labaron Philon with the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
Liberty Ballers • • sports
Key Points:
- The Philadelphia 76ers selected Alabama guard Labaron Philon with the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, marking Mike Gansey’s first move as president of basketball operations.
- Philon, a 6-foot-2 guard, was projected as a top-20 pick and averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his sophomore season, earning First Team All-SEC and Third Team All-American honors.
- Known for his efficiency, Philon shot 50.1% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range, and is praised for his basketball IQ and toughness rather than athletic explosiveness.
- While unlikely to start immediately, Philon could serve as a valuable third guard behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, addressing the Sixers’ need for reliable bench guard play.
- Both Philon and Gansey emphasized the fit and value of the pick, with Philon expressing enthusiasm about joining a team with strong guards and Gansey highlighting Philon’s toughness and edge.
