The Philadelphia 76ers selected Alabama guard Labaron Philon with the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, located in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Philon averaged 22 points and 5 assists per game as a sophomore at Alabama, earning third-team All-American honors. He will join a 76ers team that finished 45-37 a season ago, falling to the New York Knicks in 4 games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Here are 3 things to know about the Sixers’ new star guard, as he looks to make a mark for the team.
Philon improved greatly this past season
Coming into the draft, the Sixers were looking for a player with room to grow alongside young stars Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Enter Philon, who took a massive leap last season to become a first-round pick.
The Alabama guard struggled at times as a scorer during his freshman year, especially from 3-point range. After shooting just 31.5% from behind the arc last season, though, he jumped to 39.9% this season, becoming one of the best scorers in college basketball.
Philon’s improvements around the rim were also key to his breakout season. With the ball in his hands more as a full-time starter, the guard jumped from 2 free throw attempts per game to 6, while shooting an efficient 79.8% from the free throw line.
The young star will look to continue to grow in Philadelphia, working with coach Nick Nurse to become an even more proficient scorer.
His biggest area for improvement will be defense
While Philon improved last season, he still definitely has room to grow, specifically on the defensive end.
Weighing just 176 pounds, it was common to see the player attacked by bigger guards and wings on defense. He will need to improve on that end in the NBA, especially when playing next to another small guard in 6’2 Tyrese Maxey.
The Sixers will need Philon to develop, potentially even in size, for him to be successful at the next level.
Philon should be a great fit next to Maxey and Edgecombe
The 76ers have made it clear that their future lies in the hands of Maxey and Edgecombe, after great seasons from both. Maxey was named an All-Star starter for the first time, and Edgecombe was named to the league’s All-Rookie first team.
The two players’ success raises questions about Philon’s fit, given he plays the same position. However, he should slot in perfectly for the team. Philadelphia traded former first-round pick Jared McCain this past season, receiving the pick used to select Philon, a 2027 second-round pick, and two 2028 second-round picks. Trading McCain opened up a hole for the Sixers at backup point guard, one Philon should fit well.
The Alabama guard will give the team a boost off the bench, allowing Maxey to rest, after playing the most minutes in the NBA a year ago.
With the opportunity to become an immediate contributor, expect Philon to be an impactful player for Philadelphia this upcoming season.
Adam Denn is an intern reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at apdenn@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Sixers draft Labaron Philon 3 key facts on the rookie
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