Why the Sixers got the steal of the draft in Labaron Philon Jr.

Key Points:

• Labaron Philon Jr., a standout point guard from Alabama, was surprisingly available at 22nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and was quickly selected by the Philadelphia 76ers, viewed as a major steal given his top-10 ranking on draft boards.
• Philon excelled in his sophomore season with impressive stats including 28.4 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per 40 minutes, showcasing elite ball handling, shooting (nearly 40% from three), and playmaking abilities.
• Despite concerns about his defensive consistency and NBA-sized physicality (6’3.5” and 176 lbs), Philon’s craftiness, scoring versatility, and ability to create advantages make him a valuable offensive weapon and potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
• The 76ers see Philon as a dynamic addition to their backcourt, capable of complementing star guard Tyrese Maxey and addressing the team’s need for a primary bench scorer and playmaker.
• Philon’s long-term potential is high, with comparisons to players like Lou Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and he is expected to play a key role alongside Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in Philadelphia’s future lineups.