PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Orlando Magic 128-98 in preseason action on Friday in a game where there wasn’t much to learn in terms of projecting what the Sixers can do in the upcoming season. Joel Embiid, Paul George, VJ Edgecombe, and others sat on this night.
However, one positive was the play of Dominick Barlow. The 3-year big man with the Sixers on a two-way deal is making a serious case for a standard deal. He had 12 points and nine rebounds as he continues to make a case to coach Nick Nurse that he deserves not only to have his contract converted, but maybe even a rotation spot on opening night.
“Yeah, I think for sure he does,” Nurse said of Barlow. “At least rotation-wise, for sure. I mean, I think that we’re starting that way with him now. He’s the best kind of at that position right now. He’s kind of played that way most days.”
Throw in the fact that the Sixers don’t really have a power forward right now with Trendon Watford continuing to be sidelined with a right hamstring issue and Paul George continuing his recovery, and Barlow just might earn a spot for Philadelphia.
“So, yeah, for sure, I mean, if he’s gonna keep playing like this, which I expect him to do, he’s been a very, very hard worker,” Nurse added. “Very, very good, very studious and continuing to work on his game, and he’s in there early every day, and he’s really putting max effort into just seeing there’s an opportunity, and he’s trying to jump on it.”
The Sixers have one preseason game left on Oct. 17 when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves. One has to believe Barlow will certainly make one final case to Nurse and the front office that he deserves a spot.