After failing to add a single player before the trade deadline, sending Jared McCann and Eric Gordon to load up on picks, Philadelphia 76ers fans got some good news when Dominic Barlow officially turned his two-way contract into a full NBA deal.
Now granted, the 76ers have had an empty roster spot all season, and could have signed Barlow at any time after looking like a certified player for Nick Nurse, but Philadelphia made sure it was known that converting Barlow was their top priority at the deadline and in their game against the Los Angeles Lakers, overtime of the elite product instantly vindicating that decision.
Taking the court in his usual starting power forward spot, Barlow was a two-way force for Philadelphia, scoring 13 points with one block, two steals and three rebounds in 26 minutes. Barlow flew up and down the court as a full-court weapon for Tyrese Maxey and company, and when the ball came around the bucket, he made sure he came down with points often.
Considering that the 76ers not only lost the game but were widely considered the losers of the trade deadline, it's safe to say that Barlow's efforts provided the only silver lining to an otherwise disappointing day.
A true success story of Daryl Morey's scouting department, the 76ers made only one promise to Barlow before signing his two-way contract: If he tried out, he would play. Fast forward to February, Barlow has not only put in the effort, but also taken it to the bank, as he is now once again on a full-time NBA contract and looks like a serious role player for the 76ers for years to come.
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