Don’t forget about Labaron Philon

When Daryl Morey sent Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for a draft pick package at last season’s trade deadline, it was not a widely praised move.

Quite the opposite, actually — amongst fans, media members and McCain’s former teammates alike.

Advertisement

With Morey gone and his replacement Mike Gansey having one of the greatest offseasons in Philadelphia sports history, Sixers fans no longer have to lament every productive performance from McCain for one of the NBA’s best teams.

As a reminder, one of the picks the Sixers received in that deal was a 2026 first-rounder, which the team used to select Alabama guard Labaron Philon, Jr. 22nd overall. If not for the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, Philon would’ve likely been unfairly compared to McCain all season. Now, Philon is free to be himself and play.

And so far, he’s made a strong impression.

Head coach Nick Nurse has been effusive in his praise for the 20-year-old guard. Earlier in the week, Nurse complimented Philon’s compete level after a couple defensive-heavy and physical practices. Nurse also said the young guard’s vision has stood out.

Advertisement

On Friday, Nurse spoke about Philon’s ability as a natural point guard to get his teammates organized.

“What’s showing more is his ability to kind of run an offense,” Nurse said at the team’s practice facility, “get guys where they need — like really, really takes command of getting people where they need to be, making a decisive play call or whatever it is, and getting it executed.

“And then also he’s got a bit of when things are getting a little haywire, and he’s got a little bit of ability to break away and get some space and get into the paint, and then create the offense that way.”

Philon showed off his two-way prowess at Alabama, but not during the same season.

Advertisement

As a freshman, he was the Crimson Tide’s guard stopper, picking up full court and hounding opposing ball-handlers, while All-American Mark Sears ran the offense. As a sophomore last season, it was Philon’s show as he averaged over 22 points a game and was named an All-American himself.

Now, it’s about Philon finding a…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/don-t-forget-labaron-philon-212519464.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-10-02 21:25:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.