It’s been a busy few weeks for LaBaron Philon Jr., and it’s only going to get busier from here. The Alabama guard is now going through that final grind before the 2026 NBA Draft, where he is widely regarded as one of the top guards available. Sure, the workouts can be draining with all the physical testing and interviews, but Philon is now enjoying some of the perks that come with being a top prospect.
He was invited to a Golden State Warriors workout, where he and a handful of other notable draft hopefuls took part in practice sessions and had the opportunity to chat with NBA players.
Philon also opened up about Steph Curry’s influence growing up, naming the superstar guard as one of his childhood idols. It is a fitting comparison given the kind of guard Philon aspires to become.
“Growing up, I definitely had a lot of Curry jerseys,” Philon said. “Just looking up to him, it’s going to be a great opportunity to be able to watch him and step on the same floor as him. He was one of my idols growing up.”
Philon is projected as a top-ten prospect, which would put him right in range for Golden State, who hold the No. 11 overall pick. If the Warriors came away from their meeting as impressed as Philon seemed to be, they may not have to look very far when they’re on the clock.
While LaBaron Philon Jr. won over fans and reporters during his press conference with his humility, some fans cautioned against viewing him as a fit for a Warriors roster that is already stocked with guards.
When asked how he thinks he would fit into Golden State’s system, Philon gave a confident answer.
“Just a trustworthy guard that can play inside the system, get guys open, share the ball, get paint touches,” he said. “I feel like I do a great job at that. My creativity of getting the paint, being able to finish, being able to spread out and find teammates at a high level, just really being a trustworthy young point guard.”
He also noted that he could take a lot of “pressure off Steph Curry” as a secondary ball-handler.
LaBaron Philon Jr. gets honest about his fit with the Warriors
While Philon may not be the profile the Warriors are looking at right now, you never know what could happen on draft night. At just 20 years old, Philon still has plenty of room to grow. He has good size, excellent hands and great instincts, making him a very well-rounded and polished player.
The opportunity to learn from Curry and the rest of Golden State’s highly regarded core clearly appeals to Philon, and it is not difficult to see why a prospect with his profile could thrive in that environment.
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