Labaron Philon Jr. was selected with the No. 22 overall pick on Tuesday night, joining the Philadelphia 76ers as the latest product of Alabama basketball to hear his name called. The former Crimson Tide guard now wears a Sixers cap and immediately slots into the team’s projected depth chart as the primary backup point guard for the 2026-27 season.

The updated depth chart places Philon directly behind two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who averaged 28.3 points per game last season. V.J. Edgecombe remains the third guard, giving Philadelphia a backcourt that could rank among the Eastern Conference’s most offensively capable units. While Philon is not slated to start, the chart makes clear that he will be the top bench option at the point guard position.

Philon’s game in Alabama translated well to Philadelphia’s pace-and-space offense. He demonstrated an ability to push the ball in transition and to spot up from the perimeter, skills that complement Maxey’s slashing style. Those offensive tools give the Sixers a versatile second-guard option who can step in when Maxey needs rest or when the coaching staff runs a dual-guard set.

Defensively, Philon honed his instincts in the SEC, a conference known for its physical play. His experience against quick, athletic guards should allow him to hold his own in the NBA’s faster backcourts, providing the coaching staff with flexibility in lineup construction. The ability to contribute on both ends of the floor aligns with the Sixers’ emphasis on versatile, two-way players.

The addition fits a broader Sixers strategy of blending proven talent with high-upside youth. By pairing a seasoned scorer like Maxey with a rookie who projects as the primary backup, Philadelphia signals confidence that it can develop a home-grown point guard without sacrificing immediate competitiveness. The depth created at guard positions also gives the Sixers a cushion against injuries and the rigors of a long season.

As Philon steps into rookie season, his minutes will be earned in training camp and early-season games. If he adapts quickly to the professional level, he could become a reliable third-option guard, offering the Sixers a steady hand off the bench and a potential catalyst for a more dynamic backcourt.