Before Mike Gansey swung a trade for Jaylen Brown and won the LeBron James sweepstakes, his first course of action as the Sixers’ President of Basketball Operations was handling the NBA Draft. Philadelphia entered the offseason at a crossroads: rebuild or make one more push toward contention. On draft night, the organization didn’t make any rash decisions and elected to keep its pick and select the best player available, regardless of positional fit.
“With the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 70-selectors … the Philadelphia 76ers select LaBaron Philon Jr. from the University of Alabama.” We heard that, Adam Silver.
Philon was a projected lottery pick after averaging 22 points per game for the Crimson Tide, which included a 35-point performance against the eventual national champion Michigan Wolverines. However, earning minutes was going to be a challenge behind the Sixers’ “box-office backcourt” of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, with the addition of Anfernee Simons adding even more competition.
The rookie guard has appeared in eight of the Sixers’ first 13 games and fallen out of Nick Nurse’s rotation. Following their 123-112 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, the Philadelphia 76ers assigned Philon and third-year forward Justin Edwards to the G League. His only action came in the final 1:31 when the game was out of reach.
Don’t panic, Sixers fans! The decision to send Philon to the G League is nothing more than an opportunity for the Sixers to give their first-round pick some valuable reps. The team took a similar approach to Jared McCain’s development last season, assigning him to the G League on two separate occasions. …
So far in his rookie campaign, Philon is averaging 2.1 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in just 5.6 minutes per game. With the Blue Coats, Philon has a chance to showcase the scoring ability that he displayed in the NCAA Tournament and Summer League, where he led his team in points (18.5), assists (5.8), and steals (1.5).
The Delaware Blue Coats shared this photo on social media, giving fans a glimpse at four NBA players expected to take the court Friday night in Wilmington:
Two-way signees Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert will accompany Philon and Edwards on their trip to Delaware. The Blue Coats (1-0) won their home opener 147-122. Saint Thomas and Jameer Nelson Jr. combined for 78 points.
The Blue Coats and Maine Celtics begin a back-to-back tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Chase Fieldhouse. Philon should rejoin the Sixers in time for Sunday’s afternoon matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
