Sixers Use No. 22 Pick To Draft Labaron Philon

A breakout sophomore, Philon more than doubled his scoring average during his second year at Alabama, from 10.6 points per game as a freshman to 22.0 PPG in 2025/26. He also contributed 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, making 50.1% of his shots from the floor and 39.9% of his three-pointers.

Philon’s impressive second college season helped improve his draft stock after he tested the waters and unexpectedly withdrew from the 2025 draft. He was viewed last June as a borderline first-rounder for 2026.

According to Jeremy Woo of ESPN, Philon’s slight build and inconsistent defense are knocks against him, and he’s not an elite passer. However, he has improved as a play-maker, is a gifted scorer, and is an excellent ball-handler, which should put him on track for success at the NBA level.

Philon’s draft status as a freshman was tied in large part to his defensive intensity and ability to play as a connector, but he returned to school to show he could do more with the ball in his hands, and he delivered, consistently producing on the offensive end of the floor.

After moving McCain in the deal that netted this pick, the Sixers found themselves light on ball-handlers once they reached the playoffs.  Philon’s experience playing both on and off the ball makes him an interesting mix-and-match piece with the Sixers’ star backcourt pair of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, and would be a strong fit alongside free agent Quentin Grimes if Grimes stays in Philadelphia.

His ability to play at his own pace and not be rushed by defenders should allow him to function as a real scoring punch off the bench in time.