Labaron Philon, a Mavericks draft target, is defended by Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg

Alabama's Labaron Philon (0) is defended by Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg (23) during the first half of a Sweet 16 game in the 2026 NCAA Tournament at the United Center on March 27, 2026, in Chicago. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Case For Labaron Philon As The Dallas Mavericks’ Hidden Gem At No. 9

James PierceyJune 3, 2026 2:46 PMJune 3, 2026 2:46 PM

DHJ Quick Take: The Case for Labaron Philon as the Dallas Mavericks’ Hidden Gem at No. 9

Labaron Philon is mocked behind several guards in a deep 2026 class, but his production and well-rounded skill set make him a strong fit for the Dallas Mavericks at the ninth pick.

Why should the Mavericks target Labaron Philon? He averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 39.9% from three, the kind of high-floor production that fits a team needing a day-one contributor.
What makes Labaron Philon underrated? A deep guard class and his unexceptional athleticism push him down boards, even though his offensive numbers rival the guards mocked ahead of him.
How does Labaron Philon compare to Kingston Flemings? Flemings is the better point-of-attack defender, but Philon’s offensive production gives him the edge as a prospect.
What is Labaron Philon’s NBA ceiling? Comparisons to Dennis Schröder and Mike Conley suggest a steady, productive starter, an exceptional return on a ninth overall pick.

The Dallas Mavericks want a day-one contributor from the 2026 NBA draft. They also want someone with upside for the future.

That’s a difficult needle to thread. A high-floor, high-ceiling prospect tends to be picked earlier than ninth overall. If the Mavericks are going to find their guy, they can leave no stone unturned. They’ll have to entertain players who are typically mocked in a different range.

What about Alabama’s Labaron Philon?

Dallas Mavericks Could Target a Can’t-Miss Guard

The Mavericks have a rumored interest in the dynamic floor general. It isn’t hard to see why.

If I told you that a guard prospect averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game while hitting 39.9% of his 6.2 threes per game with an 11.3 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) this year, what would you say? If you didn’t know better, would you think that he might be the best guard prospect in his class?

If so, you’d be perfectly reasonable.

Yet, several guards are generally mocked ahead of Philon. Darryn Peterson will be picked first, and it would be surprising if anyone picked Philon ahead of Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, or even Mikel Brown Jr. Most mock drafts will have Kingston Flemings ahead of Philon too.

What gives?

Firstly, this is a deep guard class. All of these guys have strong potential.

The draft is not an exact science. Peterson has clear superstar potential. Acuff’s numbers were even more impressive than Philon’s. Brown and Wagler just have better measurements, and Flemings and Philon may be neck and neck. So, here’s the question:

Why hasn’t Philon separated himself from (at least) Flemings?

Labaron Philon Is an Underrated Prospect

While they’re both 6-foot-4 guards, Flemings looks like a special point-of-attack defender. Philon looks above average in that area, but it’s one area in Flemings’ favor.

It would also be fair to say that Philon’s floor is higher than his ceiling. He is a skilled, well-rounded guard, but he’s athletically unexceptional. He’s garnered comparisons to players such as Dennis Schröder and Mike Conley.

OK? Conley would be an exceptional outcome for a ninth overall pick. Philon is worth a serious look at this spot.

It’s likely to come down to a decision between him and Flemings. The Mavericks can’t go wrong in either direction. These are both solid guard prospects. That said, they should factor Philon’s superior offensive production into their decision.

He should be able to help them both now and later.