Labaron Philon Jr. enters the league with a dangerous skill set, yet his immediate future looks shaky. He stands at six-foot-four and can score from anywhere on the court. That makes him a top-tier guard prospect for the Philadelphia 76ers. But the team faces a hard reality about his physical frame. According to Yahoo Sports, Philon only weighed 177 pounds during his recent testing. That number is too low for the rough and tumble NBA life.
The Weight Problem
The biggest issue Philon faces is not his shooting or his handle. It is his lack of bulk. He weighed just 175 pounds when he first tested the waters as a freshman. His weight barely changed this season, reaching only 177 pounds. Yahoo Sports notes that this lack of strength is a major knock on his draft profile. Strong defenders will bump him off course and bully him to the rim. His chest will be penetrated directly by physical drivers. He will struggle against real NBA-level competition on both ends of the floor. His ability to break down defenses will be hindered by opponents who are much bigger.
Fixing The Frame
Philon has the talent to be a star, but he needs to get stronger. One of the major expectations for his rookie year is to continue his physical development. Adding strength and weight is critical for his long-term prospects. He needs to become a viable rotation player to survive. This season Yahoo Sports indicates he might lack a major role with the Sixers. The focus must be on fixing the problem of his lack of strength. Without that extra mass, he cannot handle the contact. The league will eat him alive if he stays this thin.
Future Upside
Despite the physical risks, Philon represents major potential for the future. A genuinely gifted offensive player capable of scoring expertly across all three levels is he. He can handle the ball and has upside on the defensive end. Yahoo Sports labels him among the top guards within the whole class. But talent alone does not win games in the modern NBA. More strength and total weight need to be added to his frame. If he does not, the struggles will be real. The Sixers need him to grow up fast if they want to use his skills.
