Sixers’ Dominick Barlow Talks Offseason Work, Roster Additions

Sixers forward Dominick Barlow established himself as a rotation player last season on a two-way deal, starting 59 of his 71 games, and earned a lucrative promotion in the process. The 23-year-old was converted to a two-year, $6.8MM standard contract in February and had his 2026/27 team option exercised in June.

In a phone interview with Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com, Barlow said it was “surreal” to be teammates with LeBron James, adding that he plans to try and learn as much as he can from the four-time MVP. Barlow is also looking forward to being on the court with one of the top play-makers in league history.

“All of the work I’ve been doing this summer shooting corner threes – I mean, he’s an elite passer,” Barlow told Aaronson. “Being in those windows, he can make pretty much any pass. So he’s going to garner a lot of attention. So being ready to shoot. I know the ball is going to get there, probably on the seams, and it’s going to be a crisp pass. Just got to knock down open shots.

“And I think running in transition – he’s a willing outlet passer, obviously, he runs hard and pushes himself… I think just running for him and looking for some of those outlets, kicking it ahead to him and filling in lanes, it’s going to be good. And I think when we’re on the court together, there’s a lot of stuff we could do in transition, but also in the half-court.”

According to Aaronson, Barlow has been working this offseason on enhancing his strengths — offensive rebounding, athleticism and defensive versatility — as well as improving his weaknesses, most notably a shaky outside jump shot. Barlow was forced to alter his shooting mechanics in 2025/26 due to a right elbow injury, but he said his elbow is fully healthy now and he’s confident his reworked jumper will lead to better results from beyond the arc, especially from the corners.

“Right now, just looking at our personnel, the guys we have running the floor and filling in those spots, I think making that shot is the most important thing,” Barlow said. “And if I’m making other shots, it’s definitely a plus. But if I can space the floor out from the corners, I think it gives our team a whole different look with all the other stuff that I do.”

With James set to be the starting power forward, Barlow could spend more time as a backup center next season, Aaronson notes, as Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti are relatively unproven options in the middle behind Joel Embiid. Barlow told Aaronson he’s focused on adding muscle to his frame this summer and is “willing to play wherever I’m needed.”

Barlow, who went undrafted in 2022 and previously spent time with San Antonio and Atlanta, said he loves being part of the 76ers and is excited about the heightened expectations that come with major roster changes. He praised Mike Gansey, the new president of basketball operations, for acquiring James, Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade and Anfernee Simons this summer.

“You couldn’t have asked for a better offseason,” Barlow told PhillyVoice. “…The additions that we’ve made – I mean, Mike came in and said that he was going to change, and try to make us a championship team. And he stuck to his word. So I think from a player standpoint, obviously we all respect what he has done. I think for the fans, it’s exciting because they want us to win and be successful. And Mike comes in here and brings in marquee guys like that and really stand on his word of changing the culture, I think it’s great.”