The rookie brings an aggressive mentality to Philadelphia, offering crafty scoring and defensive grit to bolster a dynamic backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
Labaron Philon did not sound like a player intimidated by the moment.
After being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, Philon delivered a confident message to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, saying, “We’re gonna get everyone. We’re walking them down, one by one.” For a rookie guard entering a roster with established stars and growing expectations, that kind of confidence is essential.
The bigger question is how his game fits.
On paper, the answer is encouraging. Philadelphia now has three young guards who can pressure defenses in different ways. Maxey is already the foundation. His speed changes the shape of a possession, and he does not need to dominate the ball to be dangerous. The Sixers can run quick-hitting actions for him, use him flying off screens, or let him attack tilted defenses before the help is set. That off-ball ability makes him easier to pair with other guards.
Edgecombe adds another layer. His athleticism, downhill force, and defensive energy give Philadelphia a guard who can function with or without the ball. He can attack in transition, cut into open space, pressure the rim, and defend at a high level. That versatility should make him a natural fit next to Maxey, especially if his shooting and finishing continue to improve.
Philon is more of a pace-and-craft guard, someone who can create with rhythm instead of only burst. At Alabama, his stop-and-start style allowed him to manipulate defenders, get into the paint, and create offense from different spots on the floor. That skill could translate well to Philadelphia’s second unit, where the Sixers have often needed another player who can organize possessions and generate quality looks when their stars hit the bench.
That is where Philon’s scoring could matter immediately.
He does not need to be asked to carry the offense as a rookie, but he can give Nick Nurse another guard who can handle, attack, pull up, and keep pressure on defenses. Even short bursts of offense can change the way Philadelphia manages regular-season minutes.
There is also a possible three-guard path. Philon’s defensive flashes as a freshman help make that idea more realistic. He showed quick hands, anticipation, and a willingness to compete at the point of attack. If that carries over, he could survive next to Maxey and Edgecombe in smaller lineups, especially against bench groups.
The frame remains the concern. Philon is still thin, and he will need to get stronger to handle NBA physicality.
But the skill, confidence, and fit are all easy to see. For Philadelphia, Philon looks less like a luxury pick and more like another young guard who can help the Sixers build a faster, deeper, and more dynamic backcourt for the future.
Join The 76ersRoundtable
Head over to the 76ersRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button under the featured story... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other 76ers fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].
