​LAS VEGAS — The Philadelphia 76ers got their first glimpse of rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. in Thursday’s summer league opener, and he left a strong impression in a win over the Detroit Pistons. The No. 22 overall pick finished with 18 points on 6-for-19 shooting, went 4-for-10 from three, and dished out seven assists. Philon carried himself with poise and confidence, his ball-handling as tight as any rookie eyeing the pro game, allowing him to attack the paint at will. He started hot, pouring in 11 points in the opening minutes, then hit a skid with his shooting while continuing to create for teammates with his passing, and then delivered several crucial buckets down the stretch to seal the victory for Philadelphia. It was a marquee performance for the Sixers’ budding guard.
“I think he might be the steal of the draft. I’m not going to sugarcoat it,” said summer league big man Isaac Johnson. “Too many teams let him slip, and for him to land here? He’s incredible. How quick he is, how tight his handle is, how he can shoot the ball, get into the lane. His passing instincts. He honestly might be the steal of the draft, and I’ll say that very confidently.” Philon’s fall to No. 22 after a projected lottery selection speaks to the draft’s unpredictability, but one summer league game already indicates the myriad ways he can impact the floor. By simply entering the paint and drawing attention, he created opportunities for his teammates and kept Detroit on its heels. Johnson, who knocked down catch-and-shoot threes off Philon’s drive-and-kick action, saw firsthand the ripple effect of Philadelphia’s newest backcourt piece.
“He’s an incredible teammate,” Johnson added. “He’s an incredible player. He’s a stud. It’s a blessing to be on the court with him and to hopefully just help him, and help make him look better.” The veteran forward Dominick Barlow, present with the Sixers in summer league, also came away impressed with Philon’s first outing. Barlow believes Philon brings a versatile set of tools to the table and can contribute meaningful minutes alongside Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, especially as a bench option.
“It’s been exciting to watch him in person, to offer any guidance we can as a group,” Barlow said. “Labaron has a phenomenal feel for the game, with a swagger that’s hard to teach. His presence adds something special to our group, and I’m eager to see him grow and make the game easier for everyone else.” Barlow emphasized that Philon’s blend of talent and demeanor could be a tremendous help as he acclimates to professional basketball and the Sixers’ system continues to develop him.
Labaron Philon Jr.’s debut underscored the Sixers’ optimism about his ceiling. His ability to command attention in the paint, coupled with his playmaking and late-game composure, gives Philadelphia a versatile option in the backcourt who can contribute as a scorer, passer, and facilitator. The team appears poised to lean into his skill set as it evaluates how he can fit into a broader rotation alongside Maxey and Edgecombe, while also benefiting from the mentorship of veterans like Barlow who can guide him through the first steps of his pro career. As Philadelphia continues its Summer League slate, the early returns on Philon suggest a promising horizon for the rookie guard and a potential lift for a Sixers roster eager to fuel its growth with young, dynamic talent. This initial outing has already sparked high expectations around Philon’s development and his potential to be a standout contributor in the near term.