The Philadelphia 76ers made a low-key but potentially savvy move by signing former Bulls forward Dalen Terry to a two-way deal. On paper, it might look like a depth play driven by necessity, especially after a trade deadline that left some scratching their heads. But look a little deeper, and there’s a case to be made that Terry could be exactly the kind of player this Sixers team needs as it gears up for a postseason push.
Terry steps into the two-way slot vacated by Dominick Barlow, who earned a full contract after showing real promise this season. That’s the blueprint Philly hopes Terry can follow - a fringe rotation guy who seizes the opportunity and becomes a meaningful contributor.
The numbers don’t jump off the page - 3.5 points, 1.7 boards, and 1.2 assists per game in his NBA career - but context matters. Barlow’s rise showed that production is often about fit and opportunity, not just raw talent.
And that’s where Terry’s game becomes interesting.
Coming out of Arizona, Terry was pegged as a versatile, high-energy wing with the tools to impact the game on both ends. He played all over the floor in college - backcourt, frontcourt, whatever the team needed - and that flexibility could be a real asset for head coach Nick Nurse. Whether it’s sliding into a lineup alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Barlow, and Kelly Oubre Jr., or helping anchor a small-ball unit, Terry has the kind of skill set that can plug into multiple looks.
His college stats - 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game in his final season - aren’t eye-popping, but they hint at a well-rounded game. And what really stood out was his defensive motor.
Terry was a disruptor at Arizona, consistently jumping passing lanes, tying up ball-handlers, and playing within a system. That kind of defensive IQ and effort is something Philly’s bench could use more of, especially as they look to tighten the rotation down the stretch.
Of course, the big question is whether that potential translates. So far, Terry hasn’t found a consistent role in the league, and the Sixers are betting on upside here.
It’s a gamble, no doubt - especially if the front office is hoping for another Barlow-style breakout. But given the limited options in the free-agent market and the roster moves already made, this is a calculated risk worth taking.
Terry brings energy, length, and positional flexibility - all things that can help a team hunting for playoff positioning. He doesn’t need to be a star.
He just needs to be a guy who can come in, defend with purpose, move the ball, and make the most of his minutes. If he can do that, this signing could quietly pay off in a big way.
For now, the Sixers are giving themselves a chance to find value where others may have overlooked it. Whether Terry can take that chance and run with it - that’s the story worth watching.