via: nba.com
Every year after the NBA Champions are crowned, free agency immediately follows and sends social media into a frenzy over player relocations.
Lamelo Ball’s move to the Timberwolves, Kawhi Leonard’s trade back to the Raptors, (and then the trade being temporarily held), and Lebron James’ decision to move on from the Los Angeles Lakers are all at the top of the list of events that garnered national attention.
However, this summer has revealed another element of surprise that’s in store for the upcoming NBA season: The depth of talent in this year’s draft class.
The NBA Summer League Season Opener showcased a variety of players at the top of that list of talented prospects. One of the top performances came from the Philadelphia 76ers 22nd selection in the draft; Labaron Philon Jr.
Philadelphia is a team that pursued free agents aggressively, acquiring former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, and is still in the bidding for James. Depth pieces are going to be a valuable asset for them on their goal of getting back to the Finals for the first time since 2001.
Philon’s performance showed the NBA world he could be the exact depth piece that would push the team over the hump. Philon has even drawn comparisons to Allen Iverson, who was the leading scorer on that 2001 Eastern Conference Champion 76ers team.
Philon recorded 18 points, added seven assists, and had some head-turning plays in his debut on July 9. Philon’s moment of the night might have come after driving off a pick-and-roll and dishing a no-look pass to former Auburn rival Johni Broome.
via: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Many journalists and analysts took to social media to add their comments on Philon’s showing in the Summer League opener. Long-time NBA journalist and senior columnist, David Aldridge said, “I don’t know how folks are gonna stay in front of Labaron Philon. Gonna be a problem with Philly’s second unit..”
Philadelphia added to the noise his performance brought by tweeting, “Bucket getter,” right after the game. Alabama added on their praise via Instagram where they stated the performance was, “Not too shabby of a debut.”
via: alabamambb IG
Philadelphia currently contains two players at the guard position in Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown who average over 28 points per game. Adding explosive former rookie VJ Edgecombe, and now Philon into the equation makes them a nightmare for opposing backcourts.
As of now, the team’s focus is on continuing to display their level of depth and talent in Las Vegas as Summer League continues. Philon and the 76ers will compete against the Houston Rockets in their third Summer League contest at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.