Technically, we should wait until a player suits up in games for his new team before grading draft picks, but that isn’t the way things work in this media landscape.
Fans want to know how the pick(s) made by their favorite team are viewed by experts and analysts, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
When it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers‘ first-round selection of University of Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., the early reactions have been largely positive.
Philadelphia 76ers Get ‘B+’ Grade for Labaron Philon Jr. Pick
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Labaron Philon Jr. after he is drafted twenty-second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports graded every first round pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, and he gave the Sixers’ selection of Philon Jr. a very solid ‘B+’, citing Philon’s offensive versatility and defensive potential as positive aspects of his game.
“Philon replaces Jared McCain, who the previous GM, Darryl Morey, moved to OKC at the deadline. Philon gives Philadelphia a dynamic scorer who attacks with pace, has worked his way into a shot-maker, and showed more defensive chops as a freshman,” Finkelstein wrote.
“A gifted shot creator, Philon stuffed the stat sheet as the focal point of one of college basketball’s fastest offenses, and did it with 50/40/80 shooting splits. If he can tap back into some of the defensive tools he showed as a freshman, there could be real value here.”
While ‘B+’ is a good grade, Philon should be motivated to prove that his selection was deserving of an ‘A’.
Mike Gansey Explains Why 76ers Drafted Labaron Philon Jr.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is defended by Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After the Philon pick was made, new 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey explained what the team saw in Philon that made them want to pull the trigger on the pick.
“He was pretty high on our board. I was surprised, a little bit, he was there, but I watched Labaron a lot. … “Just dynamic. He can score. He can pass. I think he was the only player in Division One to average 22 and five assists, shoot over 50%. He shot 39% from three,” Gansey said.
“His efficiency went up. He had 35 on Michigan, probably one of the best defensive teams in the country in the tournament. He’s played in SEC. So, he’s the focal point of the offense on the other team’s scouting report, and he’s got some toughness.”
Philon wore No. 0 in college at Alabama, but he’ll probably have to find a new number in Philly as No. 0 is already taken by Tyrese Maxey.
Philadelphia 76ers Receive Solid Grade for First Round Selection of Labaron Philon Jr.