After winning their first four games to start the season, the Philadelphia 76ers dropped nine of their next fifteen appearances, culminating in a mediocre 10–9 record through just over a month in the regular season. That said, the team isn’t devoid of silver linings even at this point. An example? Look no further than Dominick Barlow, who was absolutely impressive in his first year with the franchise.
One of the team’s two-way players, Barlow has emerged as one of the steadiest hands on the roster. Outside of the handful of games he missed due to injury, he was one of their most consistent players. That said, the front office has yet to convert his deal into a standard NBA contract, and that fact is likely due to the team still having to cut ties with some players.
As of this writing, the 76ers actually have one open roster spot, but their front office has always preferred to keep it that way to allow flexibility in high-profile trades and the like. As a result, the team must take an obvious next step to secure the young big man for the foreseeable future: cutting ties with an unplayable veteran named Eric Gordon.
The 76ers must part ways with Eric Gordon and sign Dominick Barlow to a new contract
Barlow has started seven of his 10 appearances so far and the coaching staff clearly want his activities in defense to complement their frequently used players in the starting unit. Despite his modest averages of 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, his all-around game has taken a step forward. outgrown its former billing as a traditional game finisher.
However, as everyone knows, there are limits to being a two-way player, especially regarding their allowed appearances with their respective NBA ball clubs. That makes it imperative for the 76ers to convert Barlow’s deal into a regular deal.
To do that (and given the 76ers front office’s preferred way of doing things), they should seriously consider parting ways with Eric Gordon, who has been largely unplayable not only this season but since their last campaign. Right now, he doesn’t bring anything to the table outside of his sporadic three-point shooting.
Philly doesn’t exactly need more undersized players – that’s pretty clear. It would be much wiser for the front office to strengthen their forward rotation, especially with Paul George still playing a lot of games and Trendon Watford and Kelly Oubre Jr. sidelined due to injuries.
The 76ers need to be smarter in how they build the roster, and given their current needs, signing Dominic Barlow to a new deal and cutting Eric Gordon is exactly the move that needs to be made.
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