The choice is obvious: Barlow needs to be signed to a standard NBA deal.
The Clock Is Already Running Out
NBA rules state that a two-way player can only appear in 50 games before a team must either convert him to a standard contract or waive him. Under normal conditions, that gives the front office some flexibility. But the Sixers are not in normal conditions.
With only 14 players on standard deals, all three two-way signees, Barlow, Walker, and Sallis, share a combined pool of 90 eligible games. That means the countdown is accelerated, and Barlow is on pace to lose his eligibility far earlier than expected.
Once the Sixers inevitably sign a 15th player, the eligibility resets to 50 individual games. Barlow is playing too many meaningful minutes to remain on a two-way deal for much longer. This isn’t a theoretical problem. It’s a midseason deadline that the organization is rapidly approaching.
Why Barlow Deserves the Spot
The argument isn’t Barlow or Walker. It’s just Barlow instead of a veteran who no longer aligns with the Sixers’ needs.
Barlow has been one of Philadelphia’s most consistent bench players all season. At just 22, he plays with discipline and the poise of a seasoned veteran. He excels at defending, finishing at the rim, rebounding in traffic, and absorbing challenging defensive assignments. He isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable, and the Sixers desperately need reliable role players.
Which brings us to the unavoidable point: the Sixers’ back end of the roster is clogged by veterans who no longer provide what the younger stars do.
The Veteran Problem
Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon came in to provide stability, intelligence, and leadership, qualities any young roster can benefit from. But production matters too, and the Sixers cannot pretend otherwise.
For example, Gordon is only averaging 4.2 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists, but his contract is larger, making him less likely to be waived. Gordon consistently proves helpful as well. Lowry, however, is the logical choice when the front office needs a roster spot.
For instance, Lowry is accomplished and decorated, but he is no longer impacting winning the way Barlow does. While he is a six-time All-Star and a 2019 NBA Champion, he averages only 2.0 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Keeping him solely for mentorship at the expense of an ascending young player would be organizational malpractice.
If the Sixers waive anyone before Lowry, fans will be rightfully furious.
The Path Forward Is Simple
Barlow has proven he belongs. The numbers support it. The tape supports it. The team’s rotation supports it. The only thing standing between him and consistent NBA availability is a front-office decision that should have happened already.
The Sixers have an obvious next move: sign Barlow to a full contract and waive Kyle Lowry within the next two months. Delaying only forces the decision closer to crisis territory.
For a team still searching for stability, identity, and depth, keeping one of their most dependable young players shouldn’t be a debate. It should be a formality.
Dominick Barlow has earned his place. It’s time for the Sixers to make it official.
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