On the first day of 76ers training camp, Labaron Philon Jr. found himself backpedaling as LeBron James barreled toward him full-speed.
“That’s when the moment really hit,” Philon said. “I was like, ‘All right, it’s here now.’”
Consider it an early dose of “Welcome to the NBA” — and to the Sixers’ loaded roster — for the rookie point guard. But so far, Philon’s belief that he has been “able to stand [his] ground” against teammates with far more experience and established star power has been echoed by coach Nick Nurse. In these early practices, Nurse said he has been “super impressed” with Philon’s defensive competitiveness and ability to create offensively with the ball in his hands.
“He’s really talented,” Nurse said. “But the vision is, like, I think really special.”
Nurse’s early praise for Philon should not be dismissed as a preseason pump-up. Two years ago, Jared McCain was lauded as the Sixers’ best player during training camp, then became an early NBA Rookie of the Year frontrunner before tearing his meniscus. Last year, Nurse had zero hesitation about immediately inserting VJ Edgecombe into the starting lineup following a preseason that confirmed his maturity and versatility.
And it’s easy to forget that the Sixers’ wild offseason began when Philon slipped to them at No. 22 overall in the NBA draft.
In a strong class of lead ballhandlers, ESPN commentator and longtime coach Fran Fraschilla said Philon had the potential to be the best of the bunch. After Philon went from defensive stopper as a freshman at Alabama to top offensive option as a sophomore — he averaged 22 points on 39.9% shooting from three-point range, along with 4.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 32 games in 2025-26 — Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and Nurse said on draft night that they expected the 20-year-old to instantly contend for a rotation role. He then flashed his crafty ballhalding and fearless shot-taking during Las Vegas Summer League.
“I think he’s going [up] quickly,” Nurse told a small group of reporters in Las Vegas in July. “I think he’s got some confidence to him that I don’t think he’ll be afraid. I think he’ll make the most of the opportunity.”
That Las Vegas stint came amid the Sixers’ stunning roster transformation. They traded for All-NBA wing Jaylen Brown, then signed the legendary James. They also added fellow guard Anfernee Simons along with wings Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as more proven role players.
Still, Philon’s comments Friday — along with the occasional video clip posted by the Sixers’ social media team — suggested that he has been working in practice with the Sixers’ second unit. He said he has been building chemistry with Ariel Hukporti, who is the backup center while Adem Bona nurses a knee injury.
The 6-foot-4, 176-pound Philon said his first on-court priority with this group is to be a “ball hawk,” in the right spot to swipe steals as part of Nurse’s aggressive defensive philosophy. On the offensive end, Philon credited Alabama coach Nate Oats’ NBA-style system with helping him arrive in Camden already comfortable enough to use his voice to direct older teammates and play “on the fly.” Though passing has always been one of Philon’s strengths, he emphasized the importance of making the “easiest” decisions.
“Right now, I don’t really need no ‘showtime’ or kind of flashy plays,” he said. “The position I’m in right now, it’s, like, making the right play every time.”
As Philon continues his NBA transition, he vowed to “have questions ready every day” for his more experienced teammates. He recently asked Brown about how he remains focused to hit tough fadeaway jumpers through the defender’s contest. He wants to learn all of James’ secrets for career longevity. He has gotten tidbits from Edgecombe his rookie experience and on shaping his prepractice routine. And he has engaged in one-on-one conversations with All-NBA point guard Tyrese Maxey about proper reads to make when the first option is not available.
“That takes a lot from everybody,” Philon said. “So I feel like I’ve been appreciating that, just being happy that those guys are here to help.”
There are bound to be more moments when Philon is caught backpedaling — figuratively and literally — during his rookie season on a Sixers team facing high pressure and expectations. But he already exudes the belief that he will continue standing his ground.
It’s a confidence Nurse and teammates share.
“Labaron’s good,” Simons matter-of-factly said at media day. “He’s good, for sure. … There are going to be times when, for sure, we’re going to need him.”
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