In a notable move on July 9, 2025, the Philadelphia 76ers have signed forward Dominick Barlow to a two-way contract, signaling a strategic shift in their roster as they aim to bolster their frontcourt depth. This signing comes as the Sixers waived fellow two-way player Alex Reese to make room for Barlow, according to reports from ESPN's Shams Charania and HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
Dominick Barlow, a 22-year-old native of Hackensack, New Jersey, brings a blend of NBA experience and promising potential to the Sixers. He spent his high school days playing at Saint Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia, a detail that adds a local flavor to this acquisition. Standing roughly 6-foot-9, Barlow has had a three-season NBA journey, playing two years with the San Antonio Spurs before a stint with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2024-25 season.
Barlow's career NBA stats include 96 game appearances, averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game. During the 2024-25 campaign with Atlanta, he appeared in 35 games, posting averages of 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in about 10.7 minutes per game while shooting an efficient 53.1 percent from the field. Such numbers, while modest, underscore his efficiency and work ethic on the court.
One standout performance that caught attention was Barlow's game against the Sixers on March 23, 2025. In that matchup, he delivered a strong showing with 13 points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds, helping the Hawks secure a win over Philadelphia. This game not only highlighted his capabilities but perhaps foreshadowed the Sixers’ interest in bringing him aboard.
Barlow’s physical profile is impressive. At the 2022 NBA draft combine, he measured 6-foot-8.75 without shoes and weighed 221 pounds, complemented by a 7-foot-3 wingspan. These attributes make him a versatile forward capable of impacting both ends of the floor. Despite going undrafted, Barlow carved out a role through hard work and consistent production, including a notable G League tenure where he averaged 21.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game for the College Park Skyhawks last season.
The decision to waive Alex Reese was necessary as NBA teams can only carry three players on two-way contracts. Reese, a 26-year-old stretch four, had a late-season audition with the Sixers and appeared in 14 games, averaging 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds. While his NBA shooting numbers weren’t as strong as in the G League—where he averaged 16.1 points on 45.1 percent shooting and 39.3 percent from three-point range—he impressed as a rebounder and defender. However, the Sixers appear to be prioritizing Barlow’s frontcourt potential and local ties in this roster adjustment.
With this move, the Sixers' current two-way roster now includes Barlow, rookie shooting guard Hunter Sallis, and Jabari Walker, a fourth-year forward who remains the most intriguing two-way player in the short term. Walker’s presence alongside Barlow gives the Sixers a promising mix of frontcourt depth and developmental talent. Meanwhile, Sallis, an undrafted rookie, represents a long-term prospect in the backcourt.
The Sixers’ front office has been active in free agency, especially after losing Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks. Adding Barlow is part of their effort to maintain strong depth and competitiveness as they prepare for the upcoming season. Barlow’s signing offers Philadelphia a player with NBA experience, local roots, and a demonstrated ability to contribute both in the NBA and G League environments.
Barlow’s fresh start in Philadelphia comes after the Hawks declined his team option on June 29, 2025. The opportunity with the Sixers represents a new chapter for the 21-year-old center/forward, who is eager to prove his value and carve out a more significant role. His efficiency, physical tools, and work ethic could make him a valuable asset as the Sixers look to balance veteran presence with youthful energy.
As the team integrates Barlow, fans and analysts will be watching how his skill set complements the existing roster. The Sixers’ willingness to adjust their two-way contracts signals a commitment to optimizing their developmental pipeline and frontline versatility. With Barlow’s track record of solid production and his notable game against the Sixers last season, expectations are cautiously optimistic.
The 2025-26 NBA season looms as a pivotal period for the Sixers as they seek to build on their recent performances and navigate a competitive Eastern Conference landscape. The addition of Dominick Barlow to their two-way roster is a clear message that Philadelphia is focused on depth, development, and leveraging local talent connections to enhance their squad.
Barlow’s journey from an undrafted prospect to a player with nearly 100 NBA games under his belt demonstrates resilience and growth. His ability to contribute efficiently in limited minutes and his strong G League numbers suggest he has the tools to make an impact if given the opportunity. The Sixers’ coaching staff will likely explore how best to utilize Barlow’s versatility and energy as they shape their rotation.
For now, the Sixers’ two-way contract picture features a blend of youth and experience, with Barlow and Walker anchoring the frontcourt depth and Sallis providing potential in the backcourt. This trio represents a strategic approach to roster construction, balancing immediate contributions with long-term player development.
The Sixers’ fans can look forward to seeing how Dominick Barlow adapts to his new team environment and what role he carves out in the coming months. His local ties to Philadelphia and strong work ethic make him a compelling figure to watch as the Sixers gear up for another competitive NBA campaign.
