Philon awaits Sixers call
The rookie guard is managing limited minutes on a deep Philadelphia roster while preparing for future opportunities.
By Lucia Herrera ·
Labaron Philon Jr. is adjusting to a limited role on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. The 20-year-old guard is waiting on the bench for opportunities to play while the team maintains a 7-1 record.
Philon made his NBA debut on Oct. 24 during a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He entered the game when VJ Edgecombe left the court to check on an injury. Philon played for less than four minutes before Edgecombe returned to the lineup.
The rookie entered the league after being selected 22nd overall in the NBA draft. He followed a strong sophomore season at Alabama with a standout performance in the Las Vegas Summer League. However, the Sixers added several experienced players during the offseason, including Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Anfernee Simons.
Head coach Nick Nurse stated that he prefers to play veterans when they are healthy. Nurse said he will not gift minutes to rookies at the expense of experienced players. Simons, who is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, has provided guidance to Philon on how to stay mentally prepared.
Simons noted that it is difficult to maintain focus when not playing regularly. He told Philon that staying locked in every day is essential for when a coach calls on a player. Philon said his veteran teammates are willing to help him with his adjustment to the professional level.
Philon has played in five of the Sixers first eight games. He has made five of 13 shot attempts and recorded five rebounds in 35 total minutes. His most playing time has come during back-to-back games against the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets.
The guard is establishing a routine that includes arriving early for treatment and taking extra shots after team sessions. He uses film study to focus on aggressive defensive playmaking. Philon said he must work ten times harder than other players to earn his spot on the floor.
The Sixers face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Philon will continue to prepare on the bench while the team navigates a deep roster with championship aspirations.
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