Sixers add offensive firepower, draft guard Labaron Philon Jr. with 22nd pick

June 24, 2026 - 12:50

The Philadelphia 76ers added a new piece to their offensive puzzle on Tuesday night, selecting guard Labaron Philon Jr. out of the University of Alabama with the 22nd overall pick in the NBA draft.

Philon, a 6-foot-4 combo guard, brings a versatile scoring touch and strong playmaking instincts to a Sixers roster that has prioritized floor spacing and secondary ball-handling. During his sophomore season with the Crimson Tide, he averaged 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 38 percent from three-point range. His ability to create his own shot off the dribble and finish through contact at the rim made him a consistent threat in the SEC.

The selection addresses a clear need for Philadelphia, which has often relied heavily on Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to generate offense. Philon's quick first step and crafty handle should allow him to operate effectively in pick-and-roll situations, giving the Sixers another option when their primary stars are off the floor. Defensively, his length and lateral quickness project well for a team that has emphasized switching schemes under head coach Nick Nurse.

Philon is expected to compete for minutes immediately in a crowded backcourt. The Sixers front office noted his high basketball IQ and competitive edge as key factors in the pick. With the draft now in the books, Philadelphia turns its focus to free agency and rounding out a roster that hopes to make a deep playoff run next season.