A rookie with a shrinking lane

The Sixers took LaBaron Philon Jr. at No. 22 in the 2026 NBA Draft, and a rotation spot looked available. One offseason later, it does not.

Apathy, then a dream summer

Two volatile years had Sixers fans checked out. New President of Basketball Operations Mike Gansey changed the mood fast.

George out, Brown in

Gansey traded Paul George and brought back five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown from Boston, then kept stacking depth around the core.

Then LeBron signed

James joined Embiid, Maxey, Edgecombe and Brown to form one of the most talented starting fives in recent NBA history.

Contenders for as long as LeBron stays

Games are not won on paper, but local and national interest in this team has never been higher. The window is open now.

“the Sixers are built to be full-blown championship contenders for however long James remains in Philadelphia”

The youngest man in the room

Philon is the youngest player on a team with title ambitions. Media Day is Sept. 28, and two questions follow him into it.

What he already does well

The Alabama guard is smooth with the ball, with a tight handle that lets him maneuver despite a slight frame. He is a dangerous pull-up shooter.

No ball to go around

Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, James and Embiid all need touches. Even backup guard Anfernee Simons blocks Philon's path to on-ball work.

So can he shoot standing still

The real test is spot-up threes, ideally from well beyond the arc, to open driving room for Philadelphia's primary ball-handlers.

Attacking the second side

His one-on-one game should let him punish closeouts, which fits a roster full of teammates who drive and kick.

On-ball only means no minutes

If all his value requires the ball, chances to affect winning this season will be rare. Prove he works off the ball and youth plus speed becomes an argument.

176 pounds is 176 pounds

Philon entered the league listed at 176 pounds, and both he and Gansey admit he needs to bulk up. He will likely grade out as a very poor NBA defender.

Gansey's defense of the defense

A huge offensive workload at Alabama dragged down Philon's sophomore defense, Gansey said. As a freshman he guarded much better for the Crimson Tide.

“I know it's in him. He's got good instincts, good hands, he's tough, he'll get into people, he's competitive.”

The target on his back

Lighter offensive duty in Philadelphia helps, and Gansey believes in his mental makeup. Opponents will still hunt him until he proves he cannot be exploited.