A Childhood Built Around No. 30
Philon shared that he kept three different Curry jerseys in rotation—blue, gold, and white—reflecting the deep influence Curry had on his development as a player. He noted that sharing a court with his childhood idol would be meaningful and meaningful in real time, describing Curry as one of his early inspirations.
Addressing the Concerns
Beyond the admiration for Curry, Philon addressed physical questions that have followed him through the pre-draft process. He weighed in at 176 pounds at the combine and is reported to be above 180 pounds now. He does not view his height as a limiting factor at the NBA level. Philon also cited his decision to return to Alabama for another season as a turning point for his shooting, addressing evaluators’ notes that his jumper needed refinement after he explored the draft process previously.
How He Sees Himself Fitting With the Warriors
Philon discussed a specific role in Golden State’s backcourt, envisioning himself as a secondary ball-handler when Curry is on the floor or as a primary option when Curry is off it. He described himself as a trustworthy guard who can operate within the system, create paint touches, distribute the ball, and finish at the rim. He emphasized his creativity in getting into the paint and his ability to find teammates at a high level, highlighting a potential fit that could alleviate some of the playmaking duties for Curry and help generate more gravity for him, while also opening up opportunities for designated shooters and cutters.
Final Word for the Warriors
Labaron Philon Jr. may not be the most obvious fit for the roster, but his clear admiration for Curry and his articulated vision for how he could complement the star guard present a compelling argument. Whether Golden State selects him with the 11th pick remains to be seen. If they do, Philon has made his aspirations and approach explicitly known.
