When VJ Edgecombe debuted for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2025-2026, he was the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft. There was simply no way the Sixers were going to enter the new season without finding an instant role for Edgecombe. Their decision to make him a day-one starter paid off big time.
There was an assumption that Labaron Philon Jr. could be in a similar situation for the 2026-2027 season. Although he was taken 22nd overall, the Sixers' roster had a need for a backup ball-handler. The rookie was seen as an instant role player.
Since the draft, the Sixers' offseason went in a direction that nobody could've imagined in mid-June. Suddenly, Philon's day-one role is murky. Fortunately, the Sixers seemingly drafted a rookie who is embracing the win-now situation he ended up in, even if it affects his role personally.
This mindset is everything for the rookie
During an interview with The Athletic's Tony Jones, Philon mentioned that he's "lucky and fortunate" to land on a team in the Sixers' situation. While it's certainly a difficult position to be in, he's embracing the opportunity.
"I feel like I’m going to have a chance to compete on a team full of veterans," he told The Athletic. "That doesn’t happen to everyone, so I feel lucky with that. My mindset is to continue to work and continue to get better. I want to embrace this, and coming into the league, I want to embrace what’s in front of me.”
A blessing in disguise?
Not every rookie will be able to walk the same path as VJ Edgecombe successfully. Philon suddenly won't face that kind of pressure. When he was drafted, the Sixers had a lack of ball-handlers outside of Tyrese Maxey. Kyle Lowry was calling it a career. All others were switchable.
In a matter of weeks, the Sixers loaded up on star power. Jaylen Brown and LeBron James aren't natural point guards, but they are going to handle the ball plenty. Anfernee Simons might get a chance to do it as well, as he'll be the first guard off the bench next season.
The 20-year-old Philon continues his career after two seasons at Alabama. During his sophomore effort, he appeared in 33 games and averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds.
The Sixers will give Philon a chance to battle for a rotation spot in camp, but he is certainly dealing with less pressure after a loaded offseason for Philadelphia.
Add us as a preferred source on Google