Sixers select playmaking guard Labaron Philon with No. 22 pick in 2026 NBA Draft

CAMDEN, NJ — The Philadelphia 76ers have selected Labaron Philon with the No. 22 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. 

Philadelphia came into the draft looking to add to a foundation built around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. With a number of prospects on the board who could contribute to the team’s needs, the Sixers landed on Philon, widely considered to be among the best available players. 

Returning to Alabama for his sophomore season, Philon averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists, developing into one of the elite guards in the nation. Displaying an impressive ability as a playmaker, Philon adds a crafty handle to a backcourt in need of facilitation while also showcasing a high-end ability as a shooter, particularly off the catch.

Joining the Sixers’ backcourt led by Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, Philon will be able to make an immediate impact for Philadelphia, helping to ease the burden of running the offense for Maxey and allowing him more off-ball opportunities.

One of the primary reasons Philon slipped is his size, weighing in at 176.2 pounds and measuring in at 6-foot-2, but also an impressive 6-foot-6.25-inch wingspan that should help mitigate some concerns about his defensive outlook.

With his first major move as the Sixers’ president of basketball operations, Mike Gansey identified and selected a player who many considered to be the best player on the board — one who can also provide an immediate impact for the Sixers as soon as next season.