NBA Summer League: Labaron Philon Jr.’s Biggest Strength Is Already Showing for 76ers

Many were anticipating the NBA Summer League debut of Philadelphia 76ers rookie Labaron Philon Jr.

This is because Philon was widely considered one of the steals of the 2026 NBA Draft, as he fell to the No. 22 pick. It was obvious what the former Alabama Crimson Tide guard's biggest strengths were coming out of college: scoring and ball-handling.

The latter of the two was on full display in his debut performance against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, as the 76ers emerged victorious 101-93. Philon finished the game with 18 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal on 6 of 19 shooting and 4 of 10 shooting from three-point range in 29 minutes of action.

His handles won't show up anywhere on the box score, but that trait was on full display for anyone who watched the matchup.

After the game, Philon was asked to assess his level of play.

The reporter asked, "How would you kind of assess your game? You got off to such a really hot start, and then you started making plays for others. At the end you hit the stare-down three and big shots at the end. How would you assess what you were able to do today?"

Philon responded, "I would say just mixing it in. Being able to do both is an important thing, especially for a guard, especially for me coming into this team, being able to take pressure off the other guards and being able to find other guys."

Philon will act as a key piece of the 76ers' second unit likely right out of the gates. He, along with free agency signing Anfernee Simons, will serve as the backup guards to starters Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe.

His efficiency will undoubtedly develop as time progresses, but even from his very first performance in the league, it's easy to see how talented Philon is with the ball in his hands.

The 76ers' next matchup is against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday at 5:30 ET.

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Anthony Pasciolla is the publisher of 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.