The Philadelphia 76ers found the ultimate diamond in the rough in forward Dominick Barlow. Barlow, 22, went undrafted in 2022 and spent the next three years bouncing around the G League, playing no more than 35 NBA games during those seasons.
Barlow has not only rewarded the 76ers for placing their faith in him, but emerged as one of the most important players on the roster and the biggest steal of the 2025-26 season.
Barlow has appeared in 43 of the 76ers' 54 games, starting 36. That alone offers reason to praise Daryl Morey for finding what effectively amounts to a full-time starter in a place that many teams are reluctant to look for talent for the end of their rotation.
Barlow's impact on the 76ers has gone beyond simply starting games, however, as his presence on the court has a direct impact on the team's success.
Philadelphia is currently 25-18 when Barlow plays and 5-6 when he doesn't. That includes a recent stretch of six wins in eight games, during which Barlow posted 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 offensive boards in a road win over the LA Clippers.
Though Barlow may not always go off in that manner, it was an example of how baseline consistency and intriguing peaks have made him essential to the 76ers' 30-24 record.
Dominick Barlow: From G League journeyman to 76ers pillar
Barlow is currently averaging 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.2 offensive boards, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.6 blocks in 24.6 minutes per game. Those numbers translate to 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.3 offensive boards, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.9 blocks per 36 minutes.
The numbers on their own provide valid impetus to be intrigued by the type of value Morey was able to identify in a G League wanderer who was just waiting for their opportunity to shine.
What's made Barlow so irreplaceable, however, is how he's stepped up to fill voids left behind by both Joel Embiid and Paul George. He's helped anchor the defensive interior and crash the offensive glass with Embiid out, and has taken on tough assignments at multiple positions when George has missed time.
Considering Embiid has missed 23 games and George has been absent from 27, Barlow's versatility has been invaluable. It doesn't hurt that he's also thrived when they've been healthy.
Dominick Barlow is a big reason 76ers have overcome stars' injuries
According to Basketball Index, Barlow currently ranks in the 83rd percentile in rim disruption and the 80th percentile in perimeter isolation defense. Both statistics reveal how versatile his defensive impact has been, as he's been just as comfortable guarding along the wings as he has been meeting players inside.
Barlow also ranks in the 71st percentile in screener rim defense, the 65th percentile in post defense, the 56th percentile in ball screen navigation, and the 54th percentile in screener mobile defense.
In addition to thriving defensively, Barlow is an active participant on the offensive end of the floor. He's an athletic finisher, as well as an engaged off-ball player who ranks in the 69th percentile in screen assists per 75 possessions.
With value on both ends of the court and a two-year, $6.83 million contract with a second-season club option, Barlow is the epitome of a steal.