​The Sporting News originally published this piece under the title Three 76ers players to watch in the NBA Summer League. For readers seeking additional context, The Sporting News is listed as a preferred source by clicking here. On Thursday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will launch their NBA Summer League schedule with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons. Summer League serves as a proving ground for players hoping to earn a spot on an NBA roster while giving fans and the basketball world a first look at some of the game’s rising talents across the league.
Here are three Philadelphia 76ers players to watch during the NBA Summer League. First up is Labaraon Philon Jr., the 76ers’ first-round pick from the 2026 NBA Draft. Philon was selected 22nd in the draft after a standout sophomore season at the University of Alabama, where he averaged 22 points per game on 50.1 percent shooting from the field and contributed five assists per contest. With the 76ers boasting a deep backcourt, this season’s Summer League should cement Philon’s role as a valuable option off the bench. The team’s backcourt depth has only grown since the trade that brought Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia. The Summer League has also become a stage where the 76ers’ recent backcourt draftees have shined; VJ Edgecombe lit up West Coast courts in his two appearances last season, and Jared McCain delivered strong performances the year prior.
Johni Broome is entering his second NBA Summer League, a not-uncommon milestone for players fresh to the league, particularly after a rookie campaign that mirrored the path Broome took. His opportunities at the NBA level were limited while he competed for minutes behind the likes of Andre Drummond and Adem Bona in the frontcourt. Consequently, he spent time with the Delaware Blue Coats to refine his game, a move that paid off as Broome posted impressive numbers in the G League, averaging 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game at age 23. His season was abruptly interrupted in late February by a torn right meniscus, which effectively ended his first year in the NBA. With a fresh opportunity to prove himself, this Summer League will be a chance for him to showcase the progress he has made in the offseason and to demonstrate that he can contribute at a higher level.
Duke Miles concluded his college career at Vanderbilt with a strong season, averaging 16.1 points and 4.5 assists per game while serving as a disruptive defender, recording an SEC-leading 2.6 steals per game. Despite the strong resume, Miles went undrafted. His performance at Vanderbilt made him a compelling prospect, and this Summer League gives him a platform to display his continued growth and to potentially attract interest from NBA teams looking for versatile guard play and defensive tenacity.