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LAS VEGAS -- As the Philadelphia 76ers head into the 2026-27 season looking to make a serious push for their first championship since 1983, coach Nick Nurse and his staff will have to decide on rotations, shot distribution, and plenty of other questions to address about this group.
The starting lineup figures to be one of the stronger ones in the league with the addition of Jaylen Brown joining Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, and newcomer Dean Wade. However, Nurse and Co. will also have to figure out backup ball-handler roles for the new pieces such as Anfernee Simons and rookie Labaron Philon Jr.
The No. 22 pick of the draft, Philon averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists in his final collegiate season at Alabama. He has also shown good signs in the summer league and Nurse is impressed with what he's seeing.
"I mean, my thoughts as of right now, today, and nothing has changed this so far, is to play him," Nurse said of Philon. "Like, I'm gonna go in there, and he's in the rotation until something changes, and usually it probably will for the better. I just feel like he's talented enough. I think we like him enough as a staff, organization."
Philon would be a part of a strong second unit for Philadelphia led by Philon, Simons, Dominick Barlow, and Adem Bona. That group figures to be flying up and down the floor feeding off the athleticism of the big men and being able to thrive in transition. That will be a big factor for the Sixers as time moves on.
"I think he's going this direction (Nurse pointed upwards) quickly, and I think he's got some confidence to him that I don't think he'll be afraid of getting—I think he'll make the most of the opportunity," the coach finished. "So, I think that's my starting point. So I guess the answer to your question is yes."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers coach Nick Nurse makes rotation statement on Labaron Philon Jr.
Continue reading...
The starting lineup figures to be one of the stronger ones in the league with the addition of Jaylen Brown joining Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, and newcomer Dean Wade. However, Nurse and Co. will also have to figure out backup ball-handler roles for the new pieces such as Anfernee Simons and rookie Labaron Philon Jr.
The No. 22 pick of the draft, Philon averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists in his final collegiate season at Alabama. He has also shown good signs in the summer league and Nurse is impressed with what he's seeing.
"I mean, my thoughts as of right now, today, and nothing has changed this so far, is to play him," Nurse said of Philon. "Like, I'm gonna go in there, and he's in the rotation until something changes, and usually it probably will for the better. I just feel like he's talented enough. I think we like him enough as a staff, organization."
Philon would be a part of a strong second unit for Philadelphia led by Philon, Simons, Dominick Barlow, and Adem Bona. That group figures to be flying up and down the floor feeding off the athleticism of the big men and being able to thrive in transition. That will be a big factor for the Sixers as time moves on.
"I think he's going this direction (Nurse pointed upwards) quickly, and I think he's got some confidence to him that I don't think he'll be afraid of getting—I think he'll make the most of the opportunity," the coach finished. "So, I think that's my starting point. So I guess the answer to your question is yes."
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers coach Nick Nurse makes rotation statement on Labaron Philon Jr.
Continue reading...
