The NBA community was buzzing with anticipation on the first night of the 2026 NBA draft, but perhaps no one was as pumped as league commissioner Adam Silver. Unfortunately for Silver, his enthusiasm may have gotten the better of him late in the first round.
As the commissioner went into his standard spiel for announcing all draft picks, he stumbled on a couple of words, modifying the name of Philadelphia’s team in the process.
“With the 22nd pick in the 2026 NBA draft, the Philadelphia 70-selectors,” silver said before correcting himself. “the Philadelphia 76ers select Labaron Philon Jr. from the University of Alabama.”
It was an emotional moment for Philon and his family, but for some fans, Silver’s slip-up could not be ignored.
Though Philon’s draft moment will forever be marred by a blooper, the prospects of the 6-foot-4 court general are no laughing matter. In his second and final season with the Crimson Tide, Philon was named to the First Team All-SEC after averaging 22.0 points per game on 50.1% FG shooting, along with 3.5 rpg, 5.0 apg, and 1.2 spg.
As for Silver, he’ll get to take a backseat on night two of the draft proceedings. As in years past, deputy commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to call the names of the second-round picks.
“I’m Crazily Enthusiastic About Them”: Adam Silver Hypes Up Prospects From 2026 Draft Class
Even before the process of drafting players began on Tuesday, Adam Silver was already filled with eagerness for the future stars of the league.
Speaking to ESPN’s Malika Andrews before the first round of the NBA draft, Silver described his first impression of this year’s draft class.
“They’re exceptional in terms of their personalities. They’re full of life, eager to join the league…I’m crazily enthusiastic about them.”
It’s possible that, in roughly 12 months’ time, Silver will be joined by one or more of these rookies on a stage as an NBA team celebrates their championship win.
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