As the Philadelphia 76ers navigate a season marked by injuries and lineup changes, young forward Dominick Barlow has emerged as a reliable and adaptable presence on the court. Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards, Barlow made his eighth start of the season, showcasing a flexibility that has become invaluable for the team as they contend with a constantly shifting roster.
Barlow’s starts have come alongside different big men, including four games next to Joel Embiid and four alongside Andre Drummond. With the 76ers’ frontcourt frequently in flux—Embiid’s availability a nightly question, Drummond managing a knee issue, and Adem Bona sidelined by an ankle sprain—Barlow has been asked to perform a variety of roles. He has acted as a spacing four next to Embiid, shouldered defensive responsibilities as a backup center, and even anchored small-ball lineups with Jabari Walker at power forward.
The 24-year-old forward’s adaptability is a continuation of the promise he showed during a 35-game stint with the Atlanta Hawks last year. Coach Quin Snyder praised Barlow’s impact in Atlanta, highlighting his ability to integrate seamlessly into rotations and serve as a connecting presence on the floor. “He really knows how to play. He gave us, in a stretch where we really needed someone to come in and not only give us good minutes, but kind of connect a team,” Snyder said. “He’s a smart player, can pass, handle, and is very committed to helping the team in the way he can.”
Barlow has taken his role in Philadelphia in stride, averaging 26.8 minutes per game over 10 contests, more than doubling his playing time from Atlanta. His contributions are not limited to scoring; he is averaging 7.9 rebounds, 5.5 points, and 2.3 assists per game. His assist rate has risen significantly, reflecting his growing role in facilitating the offense. Even with increased minutes and varied responsibilities, he has maintained steady three-point shooting, helping the 76ers maintain offensive balance in bigger lineups.
The 76ers are currently grappling with multiple injuries beyond Barlow’s own missed games, including Joel Embiid’s knee management, Tyrese Maxey remaining the only player to appear in every game so far, and Quentin Grimes sidelined with right calf soreness. Despite these challenges, Barlow’s versatility allows the team to navigate rotations more effectively, providing a stabilizing presence in both offense and defense.
On the opposing side, the Wizards are also dealing with absences, including Khris Middleton and Alex Sarr, yet young players like Villanova’s Cam Whitmore have stepped up. Whitmore, a first-round pick in 2023, scored 17 points in the win over Milwaukee and has been providing valuable scoring bursts and defensive effort off the bench. Coach Brian Keefe noted his energy and impact on both ends of the floor, praising Whitmore’s integration into the team’s system.
Barlow’s rise with the 76ers underscores the importance of flexibility and basketball IQ in a league where injuries and back-to-back stretches often test a team’s depth. As the 76ers continue a grueling schedule with five games in eight days—including home matchups against Golden State, Milwaukee, and the Lakers—Barlow’s ability to adapt and contribute in multiple roles remains a critical asset for the team’s pursuit of success.
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