Philon has played 2 games at 8.4 minutes a night, and his 25.7 net rating says more about how few minutes he has played than about him. His job this season is to be the guard Nick Nurse trusts when injuries pile up, not a scorer.
Why isn't Philon playing more?
Because the guard line ahead of him is full. Tyrese Maxey played 37.8 minutes a night, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 27.6 and Anfernee Simons 22.3, and VJ Edgecombe has an estimated return of Oct. 28 from his abdomen issue. Philon, a 20-year-old rookie wearing #00, averaged 8.4 minutes in his 2 appearances. The Sixer Sense's Nicolas Kyle Pring argued the 76ers may be telling him he is "not yet ready without saying it." His minutes support that read.
Is there anything in his line worth getting excited about?
One thing: he did not turn it over. Zero turnovers in 2 games is the cleanest part of a thin line of 2.5 points, 1.0 rebound and 0.5 assists. He shot 33.3% from three on 1.5 attempts a game, and his free-throw percentage reads 0.0%. His true shooting sat at 50.0%. None of that is a trend yet. It is a rookie getting a first look at NBA minutes.
Does a 25.7 net rating mean the Sixers should play him more?
No, and anyone passing that number around a group chat as proof should stop. His 74.3 defensive rating came in 8.4-minute stints across 2 games, and his 100.0 offensive rating trailed the team's 105.5. In that few minutes, a net rating mostly reflects his teammates and the opponents' shooting, not Philon. His 12.5% usage rate says the offense rarely ran through him, which is right for a rookie.
Where does he fit when injuries hit the guards?
That is his opening. Edgecombe, Joel Embiid and Jabari Walker all have an estimated return of Oct. 28, the night the Sixers visit Indiana, and Dominick Barlow's estimated return is Nov. 2. Philon is not on the injury report. If Edgecombe's abdomen issue lingers, those minutes go to Simons, Caleb Love or Philon. Simons shot 23.8% from three, so the backup ball-handling job is still open.
What does he need to be this season?
A guard who holds up on defense and protects the ball, nothing more. His 10.0% assist rate and 5.9% rebound rate show he is not yet creating plays or crashing the glass. That is fine for a 20-year-old on a roster built around Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Embiid and LeBron James. Nurse does not need Philon's points. He needs someone who can hold the floor for a few minutes without giving away a lead.
How many minutes is Labaron Philon Jr. playing for the 76ers?
He has averaged 8.4 minutes across 2 games. He sits behind Maxey, Caldwell-Pope, Simons and Edgecombe in the guard rotation.
Is Labaron Philon Jr. injured?
No. He is not on the 76ers' injury report.
