Resolving their backup center situation remains one of the most important storylines for the Philadelphia 76ers as they slowly cross over from the preseason to the regular season. Early on, one leading candidate to man the position was Dominick Barlow, who was a feel-good story for the team during the previous campaign. Well, the complete opposite of that is actually transpiring, given the young big forward's continuous absence so far.
With only one preseason game remaining for the 76ers, Barlow remains unlikely to suit up for the team until the regular season begins. As a result, his footing in the rotation when the actual games start could be in serious jeopardy, especially since the team will most likely be prioritizing the other options they have who have had real reps at this juncture.
Dominick Barlow may not be in the rotation for the 76ers early on
Right now, Jabari Walker is the lone big who has consistently suited up for the 76ers in the preseason. As mentioned, Barlow has yet to suit up. Ditto for Adem Bona, who was the favorite to bag the backup center spot entering training camp. Even Tacko Fall has not logged a single minute with an injury of his own, while Ariel Hukporti brutally tore his Achilles five minutes into his stint with the squad.
The lane is actually quite open for Barlow to crack the rotation, but given how well Walker has fared and how Nick Nurse intends to have Dean Wade and even LeBron James as options to play as their nominal five at times, it will be quite tricky for him to be in the regular loop to start the season.
Barlow is one of the more malleable defenders the 76ers have on their roster, but he has become a major question mark on offense, and Wade and Walker, both capable three-point shooters, present more compelling cases to be the go-to big man off the bench at this point in time. Philly badly needs more shooting around their stars, which makes Barlow a fit in most lineups the team is expected to deploy.
The 76ers are shooting for the stars this season, and the last thing they would want is a slow start. While it will take some time before their crew can brew that required degree of chemistry, the team should not hesitate to resort to readier options in their rotation. That is precisely applicable right now to Dominick Barlow, who has all the tools to be a regular for this team, but has not shown anything in the lead-up to their campaign.
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