Sixers Summer League Opener: Philon and Broome Lead the Charge
The Philadelphia 76ers kicked off their Las Vegas summer league campaign with a 101-93 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. The win showcased promising performances from rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. and second-year big man Johni Broome, offering a glimpse into the team's developing talent pool.
Philon's Impressive Debut
Labaron Philon Jr., the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, made an immediate impact. He drilled a three-pointer on the game's first possession and followed it up with a slick assist to Broome for a pick-and-pop jumper. By the time he swished another three-ball, the Sixers were up 9-2.
Philon's ball handling stood out as a cut above the rest. The 20-year-old displayed advanced moves, including crossovers, behind-the-backs, and changes of pace, creating space with ease. While his shooting cooled off (6-for-19 from the floor, 4-for-10 from three), he still managed to ice the win with a jumper in the final minute. His passing was equally sharp, as he consistently found open teammates after drawing defensive attention.
Maddox and Johnson Shine
Dante Maddox Jr. split point guard duties with Philon and started hot, sinking two early three-pointers and scoring 10 points in the first quarter. The 6-foot-2 guard was MVP of the BNXT League last year, averaging 24.3 points and 5.7 rebounds for Belgian team Okapi Aalstar. His shooting efficiency (44.5 percent from three) translated well to the summer league stage.
Isaac Johnson, a 7-foot center who played his final college season at Hawaii, was a standout off the bench. He racked up 14 points in the first five minutes of the second quarter, nailing three triples. Johnson finished with 20 points, making a strong first impression for the summer.
Broome's Physicality on Display
Johni Broome, the No. 35 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, tallied 19 points and 13 rebounds. He started at center and later shared the frontcourt with Johnson. While Broome lacks conventional athleticism, he compensates with instincts and physicality. He threw a dunk between two defenders off a Philon assist in the second quarter.
The major question remains whether Broome can become an NBA contributor. He sits below Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, and Ariel Hukporti on the Sixers' center depth chart. But his G League and summer league production suggest he has the tools to compete.
What's Next for the Sixers?
The Sixers' second summer league game is Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET against the Indiana Pacers. For a team focused on building depth, these performances are encouraging signs of a developing roster.