Thursday, October 15, 2026
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When the Sixers selected Labaron Philon Jr. with the 22nd overall pick in this summer’s NBA draft, he seemed destined for a larger role on a team looking for more ball-handling and scoring off the bench.
A few weeks later, the outlook for his playing time changed drastically. The Sixers traded for Jaylen Brown, signed Anfernee Simons and ultimately landed LeBron James.
With all the talent Philadelphia added this offseason, Philon’s role seemed to diminish. The Sixers are in win-now mode, especially with James joining the team, and there may not be much room for a rookie to work his way into the rotation. However, Philon has already had opportunities to show that he can make an impact regardless of who is on the roster.
The rookie had an excellent Summer League, and with Simons dealing with an injury during the preseason, Philon has played more than anticipated. Through the first three preseason games, Philon has averaged 8.7 points and 4.3 assists in approximately 24 minutes per game. While he hasn't shot particularly well in every outing, he has shown that he can handle the ball, create opportunities for teammates and play alongside established players like Tyrese Maxey.
One of the biggest things Philon has needed to demonstrate is his ability to run an offense while also being effective without the ball in his hands. With Maxey, Brown and James expected to handle much of the playmaking, Philon will need to find ways to contribute without always being the primary ball-handler.
There have been positive signs in that area. Philon has shown an ability to relocate and find open space on the perimeter, giving himself opportunities to contribute as a catch-and-shoot option. He shot 33% from 3-point range over his first three preseason games, and improving that number will be important as he looks to earn consistent minutes.
His college numbers offer some reason for optimism. Philon averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game during his sophomore season at Alabama while shooting 39.9% from beyond the arc. That doesn't guarantee his outside shooting will translate immediately to the NBA, but it shows that he has the potential to become a reliable threat from the perimeter.
The next step is turning those flashes into consistent production. Philon doesn't need to dominate the ball or put up big scoring numbers to make himself useful. If he can knock down open shots, make the right reads and continue to create opportunities for others, he could give Nick Nurse another option in the backcourt.
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If Simons is unable to return before the end of the preseason, Philon could have an opportunity to earn minutes early in the regular season. Simons' absence would leave Philadelphia looking for additional guard depth, and the rookie has already shown that he can handle some of those responsibilities.
That doesn't mean Philon is guaranteed a spot in the rotation. The Sixers have too much talent and too much at stake to hand out minutes simply because a player is young or was a first-round pick. He will have to prove that he can help the team win, particularly when playing alongside the veterans who will carry much of the responsibility this season.
Still, Philon has put himself in a position to make a case. His playmaking gives him a skill set that could be useful behind Maxey and Simons, while his ability to play off the ball could help him fit alongside the team's primary scorers.
For a rookie joining a team with championship aspirations, opportunities may not come often. Philon needs to make the most of the minutes he gets during the preseason and carry that momentum into the regular season.
His role may look different from what it did when the Sixers first drafted him, but that doesn't mean he can't carve out a place in the rotation. If he continues to show that he can make plays, knock down open shots and play within the team's system, he could become a valuable piece of Philadelphia's bench sooner than expected.
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