Sixers big men make statement on rookie guard Labron Philon Jr.
· Yahoo Sports
LAS VEGAS -- The Philadelphia 76ers got their first look at rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. in Thursday's summer league opener and he certainly impressed in a win over the Detroit Pistons. The No. 22 overall pick finished with 18 points on 6-for-19 shooting and was 4-for-10 from deep while dishing out seven assists.
Philon displayed poise, confidence, and a seriously tight handle that allowed him to get into the paint whenever he wanted. He got off to a hot start with 11 points in the opening minutes, then cooled off with his shot, and made plays for others with his passing, before then coming up with some huge shots down the stretch to seal the game for Philadelphia. It was a big-time showing for Philadelphia's young rookie guard.
Visit newssport.cv for more information.
"He might be the steal of the draft. I'm not gonna lie," said summer league big man Isaac Johnson. "Too many teams let him slip, and for him to fall here? He is incredible. How quick he is, how tight his handle is, how he's able to shoot the ball, get down the lane. His passing instincts. He honestly might be the steal of the draft, and I'll say that very confidently."
Philon was projected as a lottery pick initially before slipping all the way to No. 22 to Philadelphia. After one summer league game, there is a lot that he can bring to the floor as he was able to attract so much defensive attention just by getting into the paint and making things happen for everybody. Especially for Johnson who benefited and knocked down catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.
"He's an incredible teammate," Johnson added of Philon. "He's an incredible player. He's a stud. So, it's a blessing to be on the court with him and be able to hopefully just aide him and and help make him look better."
Dominick Barlow, who is around the team at summer league as the team's veteran forward, was impressed with what he saw from Philon in the first game of the docket. There is a lot that Philon brings to the table and one has to believe he is going to be able to help Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe and provide some good minutes off the bench. It'll also help that the rookie will have somebody there like Barlow to help him along the way.
"Being around Labaron, seeing him, kind of seeing how he plays, and watching, just give any advice that any of us can give to him and help him grow," Barlow finished. "He's a phenomenal player. He's got a swag about him that you really can't teach, and I think that him coming to our group is going to add something. I'm excited to see him play and try to make his life as easy as possible."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers big men make statement on rookie guard Labron Philon Jr.