Who Is the Philadelphia 76ers' Biggest Breakout Candidate Entering Next Season?

With so many superstars on one team, it’s easy to become the forgotten man.

The Philadelphia 76ers will have quite a few players that fly under the radar. One player many may forget about is rookie Labaron Philon Jr. 

Sure, one could say Anfernee Simons or another player that’s got NBA experience under their belt. But no one is taking into account the need for guard play on this team. You have plenty of scoring, but the guards are looking a little thin. That’s why you went out and drafted a young talent like Philon. 

This is a player that doesn’t need to have the ball in his hands to have an impact on the game. Coming out of Alabama, Philon averaged 22.0 points and 5 assists while shooting 50.1 percent from the field. 

In NBA Summer League, those numbers stayed consistent. In four games, Philon averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 32 minutes. While the competition will be steeper in a real NBA game, it’s worth noting that his playmaking ability is a huge asset for a team that lacked much of it. 

The important stat to note is the five assists. This team has a short supply of decision makers, and he could be that guy. His season may not lead to Rookie of the Year, but he may accrue some accolades. 

On top of that, his playmaking ability could make him a versatile addition to the lineup. He could alternate between the two guard positions and find himself in the role of a facilitator at some point down the line. Behind Simons, the point guard position is wide open. It’ll be a benefit having LeBron James running the offense, as he could learn how to be a better guard in the league. 

If he’s out in the shooting guard position, we’re going to see his offensive pacing and how easy it can be for him to find himself on the floor. The transition game will be his best asset for a team looking to push the pace. He may have to work on his three-point shooting, as he shot below 30 percent in Summer League, but he has the tools to make an impact early. 

There are many players who sit on the bench hoping to get in, whether it’s during an important moment or during garbage time. The fact is, this is a young player who could really bring a change of pace to the team.