For the first time in a long time, former Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey is receiving some praise.
Following the 2026 NBA Draft, The Athletic laid out the winners and the losers of the two-day event. The Sixers were considered a member of the winners’ club after making Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr. their lone pick.
Remember, Philon comes in as the No. 22 pick, which is a product of the infamous Jared McCain trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Ex-76ers President Gets Props For Labaron Philon Jr. Selection
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after the 90-77 loss against the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“Iâd be remiss not to say this deal looks pretty good now that there is a player attached to the pick the 76ers acquired from OKC,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote.
“Essentially, Morey traded McCain to the Thunder for Labaron Philon Jr. and three second-round picks, a value proposition that I think is strong, even as a fan of McCainâs game. … Iâd rather have Philadelphiaâs end of this deal than Oklahoma Cityâs.”
Morey wasn’t around to actually make the pick on Tuesday. The selection was made by his replacement, Mike Gansey.
Labaron Philon Jr’s NCAA Career
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Labaron Philon #0 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a three point basket against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Philon is a 20-year-old Alabama-born guard who was a four-star recruit heading into college.
He played two seasons at Alabama, starting for the majority of his time there. As a freshman, Philon posted averages of 10.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds, while shooting 45.2% from the field.
When he was a sophomore during the 2025-2026 NCAA season, Philon shot 50.1% from the field and knocked down 39.9% of his threes, averaging 22.0 points per game.
In addition to his scoring, Philon dished out 5.0 assists per game and came down with 3.5 rebounds per game.
Who Won The Trade?
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 26: Jared McCain #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates during the fourth quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 26, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
This is a situation of simply giving props.
It’s too early to crown a winner of the McCain trade, since only one of the few picks moved for the standout sharpshooter was used.
Initially, the Sixers looked foolish for moving on from McCain, considering they had a need for three-point shooting and guards.
McCain finished the 2025-2026 NBA season by shooting 39.1% from three with the Thunder, and he played a key role off the bench in their deep playoff run.
The Philon pick with the asset in the returning package is exciting for the Sixers, but it’s still a major question mark.
For the time being, the 76ers look to be in a good position, hence why they were dubbed winners of Tuesday’s action. But Philon’s value is just a projection on paper.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Ex-76ers President Gets Props For Labaron Philon Jr. Selection appeared first on HEAVY.