The Golden State Warriors are officially cooking. While the rest of the league is still licking its wounds from the trade deadline, Mike Dunleavy Jr. is sitting on a treasure chest: four first-round picks, multiple pick swaps across the next seven years, and enough movable salary to make any GM sweat.
And now? They just stole the future.
In the latest 2026 NBA Draft mock from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, Golden State is projected to swipe Alabama’s breakout superstar Labaron Philon Jr. at No. 15 overall—a pick that feels like straight-up robbery when you look at the numbers this kid is dropping.
Through 26 games, the 20-year-old point guard is averaging 21.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals on ridiculous efficiency: 50.3% from the field and 38.7% from three. That’s not just good. That’s “Steph Curry’s spiritual successor” territory. He’s currently the 14th-leading scorer in the entire country, up from just 10.6 points as a freshman. The leap is nuclear.
Wasserman nailed it:
“Consistency and improved shooting have helped sway scouts to buy Labaron Philon’s breakout and NBA outlook. He’s making over two threes a game, finishing at the rim with improved craft, and converting his touch shots using signature footwork and control.”
Eight games of 25+ points. A 35-point explosion against Arkansas (11-of-21, 3 threes, 10-of-13 FT, 7 assists). Five games with 7+ assists. A 24-10-5 masterpiece against Arizona. This dude isn’t just scoring—he’s taking over games.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo calls him “one of the shiftiest scorers in this class” and notes he’s flashed real all-around strides, keeping him firmly in the first-round conversation. At 6-foot-4, he’s got the size to play both guard spots, elite shot creation, and defensive instincts that pop. He’s not a finished product—no elite strength or explosiveness yet—but as a combo guard who can give you instant bench punch and grow into a bigger role? Chef’s kiss.
And here’s the beauty for Golden State: Philon doesn’t have to be “the guy” right away. With Stephen Curry still cooking, he slides in as a spot-up sniper and secondary creator, learning from the greatest shooter ever while slowly taking the keys. By the time the post-Curry era fully hits, the Warriors won’t be scrambling—they’ll be handing the torch to a 21-PPG scoring machine they got at a discount.
The 2026 guard class is loaded, which means Philon could even slide a little… but at 15? That’s highway robbery. The dynasty isn’t over.
It’s just getting a new general.
Welcome to the next chapter, Labaron Philon. Golden State didn’t just draft a player. They heisted the future.
And the rest of the NBA? They’re gonna feel it.