A huge reason as to why there has been some glowing expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers as of late is the fact that Joel Embiid looks physically ready to go ahead of the upcoming season. After a long while without tangible updates on the superstar’s status, Embiid looks like he has slimmed down, raring to go in 2025-26.
But aside from the fact that Embiid’s status is still conjectural at this point, the 76ers do not really have a foolproof failsafe behind him. Andre Drummond seems to have ceased being a viable backup due to his lack of rim protection and efficient finishing. Adem Bona is still quite undisciplined on defense. Johni Broome is a rookie big man who is still a big question mark.
Most teams in the 76ers’ position would already have an entrenched backup big man no matter how Embiid turns out to be. Yet here we are, with training camp just right around the corner, still uncertain as to how the coaching staff plans to bolster their cushion off the bench at the center position.
That makes it all the more puzzling, in hindsight, as to why the front office decided to install yet anoher unproven option aside from those three in Dominick Barlow.
The 76ers should not have signed Dominick Barlow to a two-way deal
Barlow, who spent last season with the Atlanta Hawks, seemed like great value as an addition via the two-way vehicle. After all, he has a bit of tenure to him as he is already entering his fourth year as a pro.
Having said that, such length of time does not play well to his benefit when taking into account the fact that he is still on a two-way deal. His previous stops in San Antonio and Atlanta did not provide him with ample reps on the court as he merely languished off the bench or spent most of his time in the G-League.
But beyond that, what makes Barlow an awkward addition is the fact that the 76ers do not need another undersized big man. At just 6’9”, Barlow is redundant with Bona, and he is most certainly not as proficient as the latter as a rim deterrent. Likewise, he does not offer anything new on offense given his lack of a presence in the perimeter.
For now, the impact of Barlow will be subliminal at best, but the 76ers could have gone after a different big man without the attendant skill set overlaps if they wanted to maximize their two-way spots.