The Golden State Warriors have been connected to a wide range of prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft, particularly point guards and combo guards who could eventually complement Stephen Curry. However, a new report has dramatically shifted the outlook for at least one highly discussed name.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Warriors plan to pursue Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton using their mid-level exception this offseason. That development appears to have all but eliminated the likelihood of Golden State selecting Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. with the 11th overall pick.
While missing out on the Warriors wouldn’t be catastrophic for Philon’s career, it could significantly damage his draft stock, potentially causing him to slip out of the lottery entirely.
A Crowded Backcourt and Redundancy Concerns
Both Simons and Sexton are proven combo guards capable of knocking down threes while also serving as secondary playmakers. Philon projects as a similar type of player, albeit with stronger lead-guard instincts. As a sophomore at Alabama, he averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, showcasing legitimate scoring punch and playmaking ability.
Yet adding Philon to a backcourt that already features Curry, Simons (or Sexton), and the steadily improving Brandin Podziemski would create a serious minutes crunch. That doesn’t even factor in the reliable bench guard minutes already available from LJ Cryer and Will Richard.
Size and defensive fit further complicate the picture. Sexton is regarded as the stronger defender of the two veteran targets, but both are listed at 6’3″. Philon, who measured 6’2.5″ at the NBA Combine, would add yet another undersized guard to the mix. A rotation featuring Curry, Philon, and either Simons or Sexton would create major defensive vulnerabilities that opposing teams could exploit.
Signs Point Toward a Wing Selection
Exit interviews offered additional clarity on Golden State’s priorities. Both general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and head coach Steve Kerr referenced the injuries to Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody when discussing the upcoming draft, signaling a clear desire to bolster the wing position.
As a result, the Warriors appear to be zeroing in on several wing prospects with their first-round selection, including Brayden Burries (6’3.75″), Cameron Carr (6’4.5″), and Yaxel Lendeborg (6’8.75″).
Burries stands just 1.25 inches taller than Philon but brings superior strength, athleticism, and defensive versatility. In the modern NBA, he profiles cleanly as a wing who can guard threes. Pairing him with Curry and a Simons or Sexton addition would be far more manageable defensively, especially once Butler and Moody return to full health.
Lendeborg, meanwhile, would face the fewest immediate fit questions. His length and skill set would allow him to contribute right away at the 3 and 4, slotting in alongside Gui Santos and Draymond Green.
Long-Term Strategy Over Short-Term Temptation
While the Warriors have long-term needs across the roster, fit still matters—particularly if Philon is viewed in the same tier as Burries, Carr, or Lendeborg. Securing a high-quality wing through the draft is also considerably more difficult than addressing guard depth, which can often be handled more flexibly in free agency or via veteran signings.
With Simons and Sexton now squarely in their sights, the Warriors seem poised to address their backcourt needs externally. That strategic pivot makes drafting another guard like Philon increasingly unlikely.
Bottom line: Unless Philon’s pre-draft workouts or interviews dramatically change the evaluation, expect Golden State to pass on the Alabama product if he remains on the board at No. 11. The pursuit of Simons and Sexton hasn’t just altered the Warriors’ offseason plans — it may have quietly delivered a death sentence to Philon’s chances of landing in the Bay Area.