LAS VEGAS — Last summer, Dominick Barlow joined the 76ers on a two-way contract in the middle of the NBA Summer League, and jumped right into game action.
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Barlow was back in a nondescript, off-the-Strip gym Friday afternoon to work out while the 2026 summer Sixers practiced. A “fun year” unfolded between these two trips to the desert, when Barlow became a part-time starter, earned a standard contract, and had his $3.4 million team option for the 2026-27 season picked up before free agency began.
Now, Barlow is an example — and available resource — for the players hoping to impress the Sixers (and other teams) in Las Vegas.
“Just to show the organization [that] we don’t just care about ourselves,” Barlow said of why he came to Las Vegas this year. “We care about everyone, whether it’s Summer League, G League, and our team. We care about every step it’s going to take.
“You never know, one of these guys can be playing and helping us win, so you want to establish a relationship.”
Once Barlow joined the summer Sixers last year, coach T.J. DiLeo immediately praised the forward for crashing the glass “all the time,” running the floor, switching defensively, and providing instant leadership as a player with NBA experience. Barlow then enjoyed the best season of his four-year career, averaging 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists and thriving as a cutter and high-energy player in 71 games with 59 starts.
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The 23-year-old’s role could change in 2026-27. Though forwards Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. have departed the Sixers, Jaylen Brown and Dean Wade have arrived as projected starters. LeBron James’ decision still looms, with the Sixers reportedly in the mix. Barlow said Friday that he had not yet spoken to Brown, but is “super excited” to add the All-NBA second-teamer to the established group headlined by electric guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe and former MVP Joel Embiid. The blockbuster trade could vault the Sixers into contender status.
“Things happen fast,” Barlow said. “I don’t know if that’s something that we expected to happen, but here we are. It’s exciting. Obviously he’s an elite player. MVP candidate this year. His team [the Boston Celtics] was really good without [injured Jayson] Tatum, so I thought [Brown] did an excellent job leading that group.”
Balow said he has worked extensively this offseason on his shooting, a clear weakness in an otherwise well-rounded game. He has added weight and strength to his 6-foot-9 frame. He said he now has full range of motion back in the elbow he injured last season.
Barlow has brought that offseason routine to Las Vegas, and sat courtside for the Sixers’ win over the Detroit Pistons Thursday afternoon at Cox Pavillon. Barlow was impressed with rookie Labaron Philon Jr., noting the crafty guard plays with a “swag about him that you really can’t teach.” Barlow also has chatted with new two-way signee Caleb Love, offering a message of, “Do what you’re supposed to do, and you’ll get a chance to play.”
Barlow’s advice holds weight. He is an example of how to turn a Sixers Summer League opportunity into a career season, and is now back in Las Vegas as a resource to the 2026 squad.
“Be around,” Barlow said. “Just establish a culture.”