Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. will be one of the highlights at the 2026 NBA draft, which will start on Tuesday. We’re only days away from the big night, and Philon is taking over draft discussions in the media.
He played two seasons of college basketball, both with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Philon started 29 of 37 games in the 2024-25 season, averaging 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting over 45%.
Good players show significant progress going from one season to another, and Philon took his game to another level the following season. He averaged 22.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 5.0 apg, and 1.2 steals, while shooting over 50%, including nearly 40% from 3-point range.
His draft stock increased throughout the season, and he’s still earning his stripes days before the draft. Philon was invited to the draft’s exclusive green room at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Now, the question is where he will end up going. Philon is widely projected to be a first-round pick. He can land between 10-19, and some projections suggest that he might end up between eight and 10.
Labaron Philon Jr.’s Three Potential Landing Spots
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have the No. 11 pick in the draft. Philon to the Warriors makes sense for multiple reasons, and his personal interest in the franchise adds another layer to that. He grew up as a huge Stephen Curry fan.
As for how his game fits the Warriors’ structure, the team needs a dynamic ball handler behind Curry. Brandin Podziemski has done a great job, but Philon’s addition would give their second unit a reliable multi-level pull-up threat.
Having played under Nate Oats, he is already used to the kind of system Steve Kerr runs with Golden State. A chance to team up with his childhood hero might significantly impact Labaron Philon Jr.’s growth as a player as well.
“Oh my god, Stephen Curry was one of his favorites,” Alicia Robinson, Philon’s mother, told BamaCentral. “He had a Curry jersey; he’d wear it everywhere. I even think he picked Steph’s number when he was a kid just playing park ball. But as a kid, he was all about Stephen Curry.”
Curry is on the last stretch of his career as a 38-year-old. A new burst of talent and energy might give him and the Warriors the necessary push to make another run at the title.
Atlanta Hawks
Strictly from the draft perspective, the Atlanta Hawks are looking for a dynamic, aggressive playmaker to feature long-term alongside franchise anchor Jalen Johnson. The Hawks have two first-round picks: No. 8 and No. 23.
Atlanta’s core is secured with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu. But they are in a complicated situation with CJ McCollum. The Hawks are reportedly interested in re-signing him while also looking to pick a new playmaker at No. 8 to go alongside Johnson.
As far as the strategic fit is concerned, Labaron Philon Jr. is exactly what the Hawks are missing. Shooting 65.7% at the rim, drawing fouls, being a traditional lead distributor and a hybrid off-ball weapon makes him the ideal running mate for Johnson.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls also have two first-round picks, No. 4 and No. 15, via the Portland Trail Blazers. The No. 4 pick is likely going to be used for UNC’s Caleb Wilson, and that leaves Labaron Philon Jr. as a possible No. 15 pick for the Bulls.
Securing two top 15 picks in the draft will give the franchise a chance to get back on track. The Bulls already have 21-year-old Matas Buzelis, and considering they select Wilson at No. 4, they would have two phenomenal young wings.
Still, the Bulls need a high-volume floor general, someone who is a capable scorer with a high IQ passing package, and that’s where Philon comes in.
Labaron Philon Jr. went from a 10-point role player in his first season to the 12th-leading scorer in the country in his second season. He has proved that he can adapt to different situations and help the team in different areas during games.
The only thing left to see is whether the Bulls will pick him at No. 15 over Nate Ament, Bennett Stirtz and Cameron Carr.
Read More:
“How Bout Them Knicks”: John Calipari Celebrates Former Kentucky Star’s NBA Championship
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
