​LAS VEGAS — As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the 2026-27 season with hopes of capturing their first championship since 1983, head coach Nick Nurse and his staff will confront a host of strategic choices. Rotations, shot distribution, and a variety of other questions about this roster will need careful attention as the team aims to ascend in a highly competitive league.
The projected starting five looks formidable, especially with the addition of Jaylen Brown joining Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, and the recently acquired Dean Wade. That lineup promises elite talent and scoring punch, but Nurse will also have to determine how to integrate the new pieces into reliable backup roles, particularly at the guard position, to maintain balance when the starters rest.
Among the new pieces, Anfernee Simons and rookie Labaron Philon Jr. figure to vie for meaningful minutes in the backcourt. Philon, the No. 22 pick in the draft, displayed impressive production at Alabama, averaging 22.0 points and 5.0 assists in his final collegiate season. He has continued to show encouraging signs in the summer league, drawing praise from Nurse for his growth and potential.
“I mean, my thoughts as of right now, today, and nothing has changed this so far, is to play him,” Nurse said about Philon. “Like, I’m going to go in there, and he’s in the rotation until something changes, and usually it probably will for the better. I just feel like he’s talented enough. I think we like him enough as a staff, organization.”
Philon would anchor a strong second unit that also includes Simons, Dominick Barlow, and Adem Bona. That group, with its speed and athleticism, is designed to push the pace, thrive in transition, and capitalize on the bouncing athleticism of its frontcourt players. Nurse believes this group could become a catalyst for the Sixers as the season unfolds.
“I think he’s going in this direction (pointing upward) quickly, and I think he’s got some confidence to him that I don’t think he’ll hesitate to take advantage of opportunities—I think he’ll maximize them,” Nurse commented. “So, I think that’s my starting point. So I guess the answer to your question is yes.”
This assessment comes as the Sixers weigh how best to deploy their depth and optimize lineups to support Embiid’s dominance while leveraging Brown’s growth and Maxey’s continued development. The coaching staff’s challenge will be to balance these talents, determine role definitions, and create a cohesive, versatile rotation capable of contending through the grind of a long season.
This report originally appeared on Sixers Wire, detailing Nurse’s rotation considerations surrounding Labaron Philon Jr. as the team eyes a more defined pecking order and a more efficient second unit for better on-court execution.