The Atlanta Hawks have built one of the most promising rosters in the NBA. They have a generally young core of players who have already proven to have tremendous chemistry en route to a stellar final third of the season and the eradication of a two-year postseason drought.

As the Hawks look for ways to put the finishing touches on their evolution into a force in the Eastern Conference, drafting Labaron Philon Jr. at No. 8 overall should be a top priority.

Atlanta finished the 2025-26 season at 46-36. They reached that record by going 19-5 over their final 24 games. The Hawks then became the only team to win even a single game against the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Playoffs before ultimately being eliminated 4-2.

They achieved that success with a starting lineup that was built around 24-year-old franchise player Jalen Johnson, who was one of just two players to average at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game in 2025-26.

Joining Johnson in the starting lineup are 23-year-old playmaker Dyson Daniels, 25-year-old floor-spacing center Onyeka Okongwu, and 27-year-old sharpshooter Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Each fill a necessary offensive role for the Hawks and all three are high-level or even elite defenders.

For as promising as the starting lineup is, it became clear during the 2026 NBA Playoffs that Atlanta still needs a perimeter scorer it can come to rely upon. Philon can be that player.

Labaron Philon Jr. can be the three-leaving scoring threat Atlanta needs

Philon is a fairly thin player at 176.2 pounds, which he’ll need to address if he’s to defend and score at a high level in the NBA. If the Hawks believe they can help him with such a development, however, then they’d be wise to give him a look.

Philon thankfully has other solid measurables to consider, including the fact that he stands at 6’2.5″ without shoes and boasts a 6’6.25″ wingspan—tied for the fifth-longest among point guards in this class.

Alabama’s Labaron Philon measured 6’2.5 barefoot and 176 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, with a 6’6.25 wingspan and 8’3.5 standing reach. pic.twitter.com/Rsvss1OnCd

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2026

Philon tested surprisingly poorly in agility drills, but his film shows that he’s far quicker on the ball than the Combine might’ve suggested. Furthermore, he ranked No. 7 amongst all 2026 prospects in the three-quarter sprint, which measures end-to-end speed. That should appeal to a Hawks team that likes to get out in transition.

Beyond the physical tools, Philon has the skill set to become one of the most productive and outright valuable players to emerge from this class.

Labaron Philon Jr. is electric with the ball in his hands

Watching Philon operate with the ball in his hands was one of the great joys of the 2025-26 college basketball season. His handle is second to none, with control over the ball that ranges from dribbling out of trouble to dizzying displays of craftiness that enable him to create space against any caliber of defender.

Once Philon gets to the spot he’s aiming for, he has the range on his jump shot, finishing ability inside, and even the midrange proficiency to put points on the board in a hurry.

Philon finished the 2025-26 season with averages of 22.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 three-point field goals made per game on .501/.399/.798 shooting. He did so in a tough conference while operating as the clear-cut go-to player on his team, thus having to overcome constant defensive attention.

Beyond the numbers and collegiate experience, Philon has the uncanny ability to identify scoring opportunities and process how to realize their potential in real time.

Hawks can take pressure off of Jalen Johnson with Labaron Philon Jr.

Philon has an endless array of moves to utilize on the drive, overcoming concerns about his size by playing the angles and discerning when the perfect shot has arrived. He’s also a tough player who isn’t afraid to score through contact despite what his thin frame might suggest.

When all else fails, Philon has the uncanny ability to shoot from just about anywhere on the court—a skill that would play well next to Johnson, who ranks among the best playmaking forwards in the NBA.

Philon is also an excellent passer and general playmaker. That includes a willingness to accept when creating for others is the optimal decision compared to fixating on his own scoring. That could prove monumentally important to a Hawks team that needs to add a playmaker alongside Daniels who can efficiently shoot.

Compounded by the fact that Alexander-Walker has a similar skill set and could thus be an ideal mentor for Philon, this is a pick the Hawks shouldn’t hesitate to make if it’s available at No. 8.

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