Labaron Philon - NBA Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
Leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, we will track where Alabama Crimson Tide guard Labaron Philon appears in the latest NBA mock drafts.
Labaron Philon NBA Mock Drafts
Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Labaron Philon has appeared:
Round 1, Pick 14 — Golden State Warriors
Alabama freshman Labaron Philon is an excellent decision-maker with one of the most effective floaters in college basketball. As a playmaker, per CBB Analytics, he currently leads all freshmen in 3-pointers assisted (39) so far this season. His jump shot could still use some work, however, as he continues his development.
Round 1, Pick 25 — Memphis Grizzlies
Philon has exceeded all expectations this year with his two-way instincts and competitiveness to match his lead guard size. He could be an understudy for Marcus Smart in Memphis but needs to shoot it consistently.
Bleacher Report — Jonathan Wasserman
Round 1, Pick 20 — Indiana Pacers
Labaron Philon's versatility has ultimately been more impressive than any one skill.
Despite lacking both explosiveness and potent shotmaking ability, Philon has been able to score using his handle, footwork and touch. He shows a special knack for finding open space inside the arc by changing speeds and taking counter steps to elude defenders.
While Philon hasn't looked like the flashiest playmaker, he's still averaging 4.0 assists, showing poise, vision and the willingness to identify simple reads and teammates in rhythm.
NBA teams may wind up picturing a Swiss Army knife guard, rather than a primary ball-handler.
Despite lacking both explosiveness and potent shotmaking ability, Philon has been able to score using his handle, footwork and touch. He shows a special knack for finding open space inside the arc by changing speeds and taking counter steps to elude defenders.
While Philon hasn't looked like the flashiest playmaker, he's still averaging 4.0 assists, showing poise, vision and the willingness to identify simple reads and teammates in rhythm.
NBA teams may wind up picturing a Swiss Army knife guard, rather than a primary ball-handler.
Round 1, Pick 16 — Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)
Philon is another smaller guard whom teams are struggling to place right now. The Alabama native who attended high school powerhouse Link Academy has some height and is aggressive attacking the rim. However, he is quite skinny and isn't a ready-made shooter at this point. His first step is quite fast, and he goes from slow to fast with real acceleration. He's comfortable finishing with both hands at the rim and seems to take sharp, direct lines toward the rim that allow him to finish with real efficiency.
Philon is also a sharp decision-maker with good passing vision and creativity. He'll throw live-dribble passes with both hands, and he sees the court with a sharp clarity. He averages four assists versus only 1.6 turnovers per game, an excellent mark for a guard who was a late reclassification into college hoops. He also averages 12.6 points, is generally active on defense and has a nice floater game he can get to as a counter. However, the shooting is going to have to improve. That's where the main concern for teams remains along with the overall frame, given that he's 175 pounds. Philon strikes me as a player who might be better off returning to school for one more year while he gets his body right. It would be a difficult rookie season for him in the NBA. But most teams I've spoken with see him as a first-rounder right now, and that's often difficult to pass up.
Philon is also a sharp decision-maker with good passing vision and creativity. He'll throw live-dribble passes with both hands, and he sees the court with a sharp clarity. He averages four assists versus only 1.6 turnovers per game, an excellent mark for a guard who was a late reclassification into college hoops. He also averages 12.6 points, is generally active on defense and has a nice floater game he can get to as a counter. However, the shooting is going to have to improve. That's where the main concern for teams remains along with the overall frame, given that he's 175 pounds. Philon strikes me as a player who might be better off returning to school for one more year while he gets his body right. It would be a difficult rookie season for him in the NBA. But most teams I've spoken with see him as a first-rounder right now, and that's often difficult to pass up.
Round 1, Pick 20 — Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)
The Hawks' pick likely would convey to the Spurs, but that would be offset by receiving the Lakers' pick outright and Sacramento's pick, provided it doesn't fall in the top 12.
Philon has exceeded expectations, playing an essential role for one of the best teams in college basketball, showing off strong versatility on both ends of the floor and plenty of winning qualities. He is aggressive in the open court, a capable pick-and-roll option, an intense defender and he brings more toughness than one might expect from his thin frame.
Philon plays an unselfish, relatively mistake-free style that has earned him minutes on a deep, experienced team. Not blessed with the best physical tools, making shots more consistently (28% on 3-pointers) would solidify him more firmly in top-20 conversations while also helping Alabama make a deep NCAA tournament run. -- Givony
Philon has exceeded expectations, playing an essential role for one of the best teams in college basketball, showing off strong versatility on both ends of the floor and plenty of winning qualities. He is aggressive in the open court, a capable pick-and-roll option, an intense defender and he brings more toughness than one might expect from his thin frame.
Philon plays an unselfish, relatively mistake-free style that has earned him minutes on a deep, experienced team. Not blessed with the best physical tools, making shots more consistently (28% on 3-pointers) would solidify him more firmly in top-20 conversations while also helping Alabama make a deep NCAA tournament run. -- Givony