The Brooklyn Nets have a deep group of draft prospects to look closely into before the June event. How does this Alabama star fit?
The Brooklyn Nets aren't an official lock to land the top pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. Fans are well aware a lot of scenarios must play out on May 10 during lottery day.
Hence why general manager Sean Marks and head coach Jordi Fernandez must keep their options open here.
NetsRoundtable has rolled out multiple draft options during this offseason period. Ranging from Keaton Wagler of Illinois, Darryn Peterson of Kansas, Darius Acuff of Arkansas, plus Cameron Boozer of Duke have all been mentioned as possibilities.
But we must keep the late top 10 picks in mind here too, especially in the event Brooklyn falls near selection the 10th selection. Time to look closer at Labaron Philon of Alabama.
Growing Leader
Philon endured a rather polarizing start to his 2025-26 season: Jumping back to Bama at the last minute after originally testing the NBA Draft waters and portal.
Turns out returning to Tuscaloosa boosted his stock.
Philon looked like a more efficient scorer and floor leader. He took pride in initiating Nate Oats' spread and spacing attack that involves shooting from long range.
Philon leaves the Crimson Tide averaging 22.0 points per game and dishing out five assists. But he managed to improve his perimeter shooting in nailing 2.5 out of 6.2 attempts.
His shooting style can immediately win over Hernandez.
Shiftiness on Floor
Philon is skilled at attacking defenders with short area quickness.
He knows when it hit a change of pace on the floor too. Philon can even break down and explode through defenders off the dribble thanks to showing an explosive first step.
His return to the college game allowed him to hone on his start-stop ability, knowing when to hit the personal brakes and shoot from there.
He comes with plenty of shake in evading defenders while creating enough separation between himself and the defender before unleashing the shot. His biggest strength is how he operates in pick-and-roll situations, which shines a light on the strong command he has.
Scrapper Edge with Cerebral Side
Philon plays with a feisty demeanor...and his Tide teammates fed off of his energy.
But Alabama trusted his brains too.
Philon knows when to set up his teammates, then attack once the defense is set. He turns to his brains to find the weak area of the defense and pick that side apart.
While he plays a fast style, the plethora of game experience allowed him to play more cerebrally on the floor.
Fernandez lacked a heady point guard last season. Philbon can fit that bill.
Areas of Concern
He's a streaky shooter. He'll be on fire during most instances, but once he misses once it becomes repetitive. Some believe he tends to rush his shots.
He also shoots with a rather flat release compared to a floating arc. Which can get blocked often at the next level.
He must develop an even balance of playing fast then slowing down at the next level.
Are Nets a Fit?
It's hard for Brooklyn to ignore Philon's true point guard traits. Despite having an intriguing backcourt featuring Nolan Traore, Egor Demin and Drake Powell, Brooklyn still lacked a true PG.
Perhaps Philon can fit that need. But only if Brooklyn somehow lands toward the bottom of the top 10.
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