NBA Draft season is officially upon us. While the playoffs are still ongoing, the Combine is underway in Chicago. On Monday, the NBA had its annual draft lottery with the Dallas Mavericks stunningly moving up to grab the No. 1 overall pick, subsequently landing them a franchise-changing talent in Duke's Cooper Flagg.
Alabama has three players going through the combine in Chicago, and while Mark Sears and Grant Nelson have outside chances of sneaking into the second round, the Tide's top draft prospect is freshman point guard Labaron Philon.
Philon hasn't completely ruled out a return to Tuscaloosa for his sophomore season, but he is widely expected to remain in the draft as a projected first round pick.
An interesting note from the combine, however, is that Philon is not participating in scrimmages. That could mean he already has a first round promise. It could also mean that he's nursing a minor injury that wouldn't allow him to be 100%. If the latter is the case, then it could impact Philon's ability to rise up draft boards.
Here's where Philon's draft stock currently stands following Monday night's lottery.
Labaron Philon has a wide range of NBA Draft position
Philon's stock is a bit all over the map at the moment. Some pundits are high on Philon and see him right around the lottery range. Others see him as a second round pick.
ESPN's Jonathan Givony is one of the foremost authorities on the NBA Draft. He's also been one of the lowest on Philon's projection. In his updated mock draft (subscription required to view), he has Philon going No. 36 overall to the Brooklyn Nets.
Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor has a similar opinion of Philon. In his updated mock, he has Philon going one pick later at No. 37 overall to the Detroit Pistons.
CBS published a trio of mock drafts on Monday night. Kyle Boone and Adam Finkelstein both had Philon going 28th overall to the Boston Celtics.
SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell is higher on Philon than most. He projects Philon No. 17 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Ringer has been a Philon believer for some time. They've had him as high as No. 11 on their big board. Currently, they project Philon No. 26 overall to the Brooklyn Nets.
If Philon gets a first round promise, he seems likely to remain in the NBA Draft and begin his pro career. If he's on the bubble as a potential second rounder, he would be wise to return to Alabama for his sophomore year. There's a big difference in guaranteed money for first and second round picks.
Further clarity on Philon's draft stock should be coming at the conclusion of the combine.
Players have until May 28th to withdraw from the draft and maintain college eligibility.