San Antonio Spurs Season Preview: Dom Barlow's Growth Inhibited?

Despite a strong showing from Dominick Barlow this summer, the San Antonio Spurs only offered him a two-way contract for the second straight year, which could hinder his growth as a player without full-on NBA experience.

Spending a season in the NBA's G League is by no means a knock on a player's potential. 

With a limited number of roster spots in one of the world's premiere basketball leagues, the fact that it's an exclusive group is no secret. That's why the G League exists in the first place. But while it's every basketball player's dream to be a star in the big leagues, sometimes a eased start can work wonders for development. 

San Antonio Spurs second-year forward Dominick Barlow — still just 20 years old — is one of those players. Last season, the 6-10 rookie averaged just 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds, though his 1.1 stocks allowed him to leave his mark in the 28 games he appeared in for San Antonio. 

That mark only increased in size, however, when Barlow hit his first NBA offseason.

Oct 9, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Dominick Barlow (26) moves the ball while defended by Oklahoma City Thunder center Olivier Sarr (30) during the second half at Paycom Center / © Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

A mixture of offseason work and increased maturity was visible of Barlow when he hit the basketball court for the first time since the Spurs' missed-playoff campaign last April. Throughout Summer League, Barlow proved himself on all fronts, averaging 17 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 stocks — major upticks in all three categories.

But that was against Summer League competition. 

Yes, Summer League and the G League matter. Yes, both leagues provide strong competition and a chance to prove yourself as a young player and yes, both leagues are reputable and determining in a fringe players' expected impact. But is there such thing as too much exposure to non NBA caliber games? 

Barlow — who showcased his athleticism and overall on-court talent this Summer and last year — has another chance to earn G League experience. He was re-signed to one of the Spurs' three two-way contracts this year, and as such, will be spending most of his time back in Austin. 

"He’s trying to create an NBA career for himself," Popovich said of Barlow last season. "He’s the least experienced player, and he just absorbs things."

Creating an NBA career is certainly the end goal for the young forward, but even with his stellar play this summer, he still only earned a two-way deal instead of a regularly structured one, which could inhibit his overall ability to soak in information. 

Spurs rookie Sidy Cissoko was also deemed a candidate to open the season in Austin, with Popovich citing "more in-game experience" as the reasoning behind his decision to relegate the rookie. But Barlow has that experience. 

The decision for San Antonio to only extend a two-way deal to Barlow is intriguing. It sees the talent he has, but wants to watch the young player develop further before bringing him on full time, as a deal for the second straight year does insinuate the Spurs' intentions to keep him around long-term. 

So, with a year-long deal in his hand and ample opportunity to prove himself in both the G League and the NBA, Barlow controls his own destiny. And this season, he's likely out to prove that he's more than deserving of a shot — with any NBA team.

"You've got to be ready to play, no matter who you're playing," Barlow said this summer. "Everybody at this level can get above you, [especially] on defense. You never want to underestimate people. You've got to be ready."