76ers 3 goals: Labaron Philon Jr. needs to bring offense to bench unit
In this new series, Sixers Wire looks at the 16 players, per Spotrac, that comprise the Philadelphia 76ers roster — 14 under standard contracts and the two players on two-way deals — and gives each three goals for the 2026-27 season.
The new season begins on Oct. 20, and training camp is right around the corner. Now is the time to begin previewing the new season of adventure that is Sixers basketball.
Up next in this series is rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr., the No. 22 pick of the 2026 draft. The young guard from Alabama averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from deep as a sophomore for the Crimson Tide and will be looking to bring that scoring productivity to the league.
The Sixers will have other scorers off the bench to rely on (Anfernee Simons, for one), but if Philon is to really establish himself in the league, then he will need to find a rhythm early and often. He had his ups and downs in the summer league out in Las Vegas, but the dynamic guard showed off some real potential. He has an ability to really get into the paint, draw defenders, find different ways to finish at the basket up and around defenders, and is able to knock down tough shots. He needs to find that rhythm with the Sixers quickly in order to catch the eye of coach Nick Nurse for rotation minutes.
If there is one real question with Philon, it's his 3-point shot. He saw a big improvement in college, as he went from 31.5% from deep as a freshman on 3.4 attempts per night up to 39.9% on 6.2 attempts as a sophomore, before then shooting just 25.8% on 7.8 attempts in the summer league. He has a smooth shot and has a maniacal work ethic, which will serve him well next to Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, and that will help him improve along the way. If Philon can come in and knock down 3s at a 34-to-37% clip, then it would be a big help for Philadelphia's bench unit. He can be a microwave scorer for the Sixers in the long run.
Heading into the 2026 draft, Philon was expected to be a lottery pick. He then tumbled all the way to No. 22 to Philadelphia as it was obvious that there are some teams that have questions about his game. He can prove those teams wrong by bringing that offensive ability to the league right away. If Philon can knock down shots at a consistent rate, get to the basket, and make plays for others right off the bat, then he will be a helpful player right now. If he can become a defensive pest in the future, then he will immediately become a consistent rotation player. He should carry a chip on his shoulder heading into his maiden season.
