PHILADELPHIA — When NBA front offices hunt for late first-round draft steals, they rarely obsess over high-flying vertical leaps. Instead, they look for contributors that can raise the floor and/or ceiling of the team. That exact dynamic is why i believe Labaron Philon Jr. gives the star-studded 76ers a potential cheat code off the bench. Chosen 22nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, the former Alabama star possesses a slithery, methodical game that feels eerily similar to Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
At first glance, comparing a 20-year-old rookie to the reigning back-to-back MVP sounds like bold internet hyperbole. But when you stack their pre-draft prospect profiles side-by-side as well as their playing style, the overlap between Labaron Philon Jr and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander becomes impossible to ignore.
Breaking Down the Draft Profiles
A glance at their draft board profiles reveals identical core strengths and shared development pathways. Pre-draft scouting notes on both Philon and SGA highlight a subtle, methodical approach in the half-court rather than reliance on explosive, above-the-rim athleticism.
Their draft profiles explicitly capture that unique, patient pace:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Draft scouts noted his slight frame alongside an ability to “use positioning, footwork, and his ability to look defenders off to get into the paint nearly at will”. The profile emphasized that he “tends to play a slower, more methodical, deliberate pace, especially in the half court”.
- Labaron Philon Jr: Scouts praised his transformation at Alabama into a high-octane offensive engine, calling him a “quick, shifty guard with excellent change of pace and the ability to break down defenders off the dribble” who uses “elite start-stop ability” to manipulate pick-and-roll coverages.
Labaron Philon Jr. Gives The Star-Studded 76ers Crafty Paint Finishing Over Pure Verticality
Neither player entered the league as a runaway vertical athlete. Instead, both rely on body control, length, and soft touch inside fifteen feet. Philon made a massive leap during his sophomore run at Alabama, posting 22.0 points and 5.0 assists on efficient 50.1% FG shooting while transforming into a premier pick-and-roll engine. He dramatically boosted his half-court finishing at the rim, mirroring the touch and floater package that made Gilgeous-Alexander so lethal early in his career.
By utilizing awkward release angles, extended euro-steps, and patient hesitation moves, Philon draws fouls at a high clip (6.0 free throw attempts per game), directly mirroring how Gilgeous-Alexander built his scoring reputation with the Thunder.
Why Philon’s Development Matters for Philadelphia’s Title Run
The 76ers enter the 2026-27 season in win-now mode after completing an earth-shattering offseason by acquiring both LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. While bringing in mega-stars instantly positions Philadelphia as a championship favorite, managing multiple max contracts severely restricts roster depth under the CBA’s harsh apron rules. In today’s NBA, contenders survive by hitting on cheap, high-upside draft picks who can step in and contribute immediately.
That is precisely why Labaron Philon Jr. gives the star-studded 76ers such a massive luxury. He doesn’t need to be a savior on day one, but his composure, pick-and-roll pacing, and low-cost rookie contract give the 76ers an immediate impact rotation piece—providing the sustainability needed to keep this top-heavy championship window wide open.
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