Dominick Barlow Emerging as the Sixers’ Unsung Hero
CAMDEN, N.J. - When the Philadelphia 76ers signed Dominick Barlow to a two-way deal this past offseason, it didn’t exactly make headlines. But 18 games into the season, that under-the-radar move is looking more and more like a smart piece of business.
The 6-foot-9 forward has quietly carved out a meaningful role in the rotation, starting 15 games and averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and a block per night. But the numbers only scratch the surface of what Barlow brings to this team.
Barlow isn’t the kind of player who demands touches or needs plays drawn up for him. He thrives in the margins - cutting at the right time, rotating on defense, making the extra effort on the glass. He’s the kind of glue guy every contender needs: someone who knows exactly who he is and plays his role with discipline and energy.
“He’s our X factor,” veteran center Andre Drummond said. “He brings the stuff that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet - the energy, the effort, the poise.
He’s an offensive rebounder, he’s great defensively, he can knock down open shots, and he finishes well around the rim. He brings a lot of key elements that help us win.”
That’s high praise from a seasoned vet, and it speaks to the respect Barlow has earned in the locker room. While the stat sheet might not always tell the full story, his teammates see the impact - whether it’s creating a second-chance opportunity or setting a hard screen that opens up a shooter.
Rookie guard Jared McCain echoed the sentiment, calling Barlow a vital part of the team’s identity.
“He does all the dirty work,” McCain said. “Every single play, he’s in it.
Even when the ball’s not coming his way, he keeps crashing the glass, keeps making those hustle plays. We talk about it on the bench - it might not pay off every time, but eventually it does.
And he never stops.”
That relentless motor, combined with a mature feel for the game, has made Barlow a favorite among teammates and coaches alike. Despite being in just his fourth NBA season, he plays with the composure and awareness of a seasoned vet.
“Definitely has that vet feel,” McCain added. “He helps me on defense, too - just little things, like when he’s helping and I’ve got to rotate.
He knows where to be. It’s like he’s been doing this a lot longer.”
That veteran presence didn’t come out of nowhere. Barlow spent time with the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks before landing in Philly, learning under the likes of Gregg Popovich and Quin Snyder - two coaches known for emphasizing fundamentals, spacing, and high-IQ basketball. That experience is paying off now, as Barlow brings a polished, team-first approach to every possession.
“Dom is very smart,” Drummond said. “He’s had a chance to be around good teams, good coaches, and good players.
That time in San Antonio and Atlanta - you can see it in how he plays. Sometimes, you learn more from watching than playing.
He’s taken what he’s seen and applied it on the floor.”
Barlow’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s effective. He’s the kind of player who makes winning plays - the type that don’t always make the highlight reel but show up when you’re trying to close out a tight game in the fourth quarter. Whether it’s boxing out a bigger forward, rotating on defense to stop a drive, or diving for a loose ball, Barlow is consistently doing the little things that add up to wins.
And in a season where the Sixers are looking to solidify their identity and stay competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference, having a guy like Barlow - someone who brings energy, toughness, and basketball IQ every night - is more than just a bonus. It’s a necessity.