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• Updated Jun 24, 2026 at 2:02pm

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Technically, we should wait until a player suits up in games for his new team before grading draft picks, but that isn’t the way things work in this media landscape.

Fans want to know how the pick(s) made by their favorite team are viewed by experts and analysts, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

When it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers‘ first-round selection of University of Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., the early reactions have been largely positive.

Philadelphia 76ers Get ‘B+’ Grade for Labaron Philon Jr. Pick

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Labaron Philon Jr. after he is drafted twenty-second overall by the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Adam Finkelstein graded every first round pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, and he gave the Sixers’ selection of Philon Jr. a very solid ‘B+’, citing Philon’s offensive versatility and defensive potential as positive aspects of his game.

“Philon replaces Jared McCain, who the previous GM, Darryl Morey, moved to OKC at the deadline. Philon gives Philadelphia a dynamic scorer who attacks with pace, has worked his way into a shot-maker, and showed more defensive chops as a freshman,” Finkelstein wrote.

“A gifted shot creator, Philon stuffed the stat sheet as the focal point of one of college basketball’s fastest offenses, and did it with 50/40/80 shooting splits. If he can tap back into some of the defensive tools he showed as a freshman, there could be real value here.”

This story will be updated.