Everyone has been seen working out together before training camp. Where is the young rookie for the 76ers?
The youth movement continues to grow for the Philadelphia 76ers.
People have been seeing all over social media how LeBron James has been working out with his teammates. Mostly it’s been with the other starters in Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.
Well, that begs the question, could James get some runs in with the new rookie, Labaron Philon Jr.? After all, there may come a time when he has to enter the game and play some crucial minutes for the 76ers. The way people have said the new additions of James and Brown could impact VJ Edgecombe are the same reasons it could derail a promising season for Philon Jr.
This has no bearing on what would transpire throughout the season, but it could impact how Philon is used. As James is used as the primary ballhandler that pushes Philon down the list behind Anfernee Simons. The saving grace for the young rookie is the fact that there aren’t too many ballhandlers on this 76ers team.
Contrary to what many believe, James is not a guard. He may occupy the position, but that’s mainly due to his basketball IQ. Philon showed what he could do during the summer league, averaging 18 points a game and dishing out 5.8 assists. It’s going to be misleading because he’s playing against his peers, but the numbers make you think this could be a promising season.
But now with James and company here, they may have to wait to see what kind of player he could really be. It’s going to come down to what the team needs. Philon could be an underlier for the team and fill in a niche role that enables him to show off his skill as a scorer and a passer.
That’s why it would be in the best interest of the team and Philon to try to train with someone like James. This could be a way to see what the rookie could actually do. James is obviously going to have influence with the coaching staff and could pinpoint what Philon is actually good at and what he can work on. It would lead to some actual minutes or, better yet, an idea of when to actually use him.
There could be certain lineups that speak to his strengths, and this could be a secret lineup for the 76ers. Practice will be the best time to find that out.
Maybe James will have his one-on-one session with Philon; if so, it could lead to a new wrinkle in the 76ers offense.
