Philadelphia 76ers rookie Labaron Philon Jr. is focusing on the NBA's unique spacing as he adjusts from college, following a 144-106 preseason loss to the Boston Celtics on October 10. The No. 22 overall pick is learning how to use the court's open areas to his advantage with a bench unit full of shooters.
The biggest difference for Philon has been the spacing. He stated the floor feels more open, which demands consistent shooting. "I would say the spacing," Philon said. "The spacing is really, it’s really more spaced on the court, and you got to be able to knock down shots." He noted that defensive schemes vary more, with defenders positioned in gaps, making pre-game preparation essential.
Studying scouting reports is a major part of his routine now. While important in college, it's taken to another level in the pros. Philon emphasized knowing team schemes and being in the right spot on both ends of the floor. His adjustment involves understanding where to be on offense and making the correct defensive reads in real time.
Philon is set to run a second unit featuring proven floor spacers like Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. This environment should perfectly suit his aggressive style. His blazing speed allows him to attack the paint, draw multiple defenders, and then either finish at the rim or kick the ball out to his sharpshooting teammates.
He's already studying how his new teammates prefer to receive the ball. "I would say picking up just the way they want to shoot the ball, really, and the way they like to catch it and step," Philon added. He believes driving into a collapsing defense will create easy opportunities for shooters like Caldwell-Pope and Wade on the perimeter.
The Sixers' preseason has been a mix of results. After a 120-97 win over the New York Knicks on October 5, they lost 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets on October 8 before the heavy defeat in Boston. These games are providing valuable lessons for the rookie as he integrates into a team with a star-studded starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid.
Coach Nick Nurse's bench, led by Philon, could become a real weapon. The rookie feels blessed to play with such experienced shooters so early in his career. He specifically highlighted Wade's pick-and-pop ability and Caldwell-Pope's movement and shooting off screens as a potent combination.
The team immediately gets a chance for redemption against the same opponent. Their next fixture is a home preseason game against the Boston Celtics on October 16. Philon will look to apply his lessons about NBA spacing and playmaking in that contest. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page.
For Philon, the preseason is a critical learning period. He averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists at Alabama, but translating that success to the NBA requires understanding its nuances. His ability to penetrate and create for others will be a key asset for Philadelphia's bench mob this season.
