76ers select Labaron Philon Jr. with 22nd pick in NBA Draft
Feb 4, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. (0) signals three after hitting a three pointer against Texas A&M at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
The Mike Gansey era in Philadelphia is officially underway with the selection of Labaron Philon Jr with the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Philon is a small, 6-foot-3, 176-pound guard with shot-creating and shotmaking ability among the draft class’ best. Philon is coming off a highly productive campaign in his sophomore year with Alabama, leading the team to a final ranking of 16th in the AP poll and all the way to the Sweet 16.
His 22.0 points per game were the 12th best average in the nation, shooting just over 50% from the field in the process. His three-point shooting was also one of the best lines in Division I hoops, with a 39.9% average.
This 76ers roster’s biggest need prior to the draft for the immediate future is depth at guard. Philon immediately fills that need. This need was exemplified in the second-round series against New York, where the Sixers had to throw out Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe for seemingly all 48 minutes due to the lack of help on the bench. Philadelphia’s guard play this upcoming season under contract is just Maxey, Edgecombe, and now Philon.
With Quentin Grimes heading into free agency and his future with Philadelphia being in question, Philon might just take Grimes’ position as the primary backup guard.
Now, Philadelphia’s biggest missing piece has been found in Philon, marking what hopefully will be an excellent first move by Gansey.
Evan Hartenstein
Evan has been a member of the Philly Sports Reports team since March 2023. He is covering the 76ers and wants to pursue a long-lasting career in Sports Journalism.
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