Dominick Barlow is hyped to join Spurs, and the feeling should be mutual

The San Antonio Spurs are fully investing in building from the ground up this season, and their latest signing is an example of that process in action.

It appears Overtime Elite forward Dominick Barlow showed the team enough during his pre-draft workout for them to take a flyer. After going undrafted last month, the Spurs signed the 6-9 forward to a two-way contract only a day after the 2022 NBA Draft.

As expected, the 19-year-old was absolutely thrilled with the development, having several touching moments as he told people around him he'd be joining the Silver and Black.

As a big forward with mobility and a massive 7-3 wingspan, Barlow is exactly the type of player the Spurs need on paper. Of course, he'll actually have to use that framework well to be effective on both ends of the court.

As gleeful as he was when learned about joining the Spurs on a two-way contract, fans should be just as excited for his potential as well. As a high-upside signing without risk, Barlow could actually carve out a role for himself on the main stage if he's able to showcase his abilities at the Las Vegas Summer League and then likely in Austin.

There's a lot to like about Dominick Barlow

Beyond just being a massive specimen, Barlow is athletic, aggressive, and exciting to watch. He'll likely have big-time plays above the rim all summer long, and that will get Spurs fans talking about how quickly he can possibly play his way into the rotation in San Antonio.

Ranking Barlow 7th in his list of the best undrafted prospects, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman noted he believes the forward could play his way onto the floor given San Antonio's quick turn toward a full rebuild this summer.

I wouldn't expect that to happen quickly, but I think there's some merit to the belief that Barlow could eventually earn some minutes in San Antonio. After all, Gregg Popovich and the entire organization knows this team isn't in a place to contend for a title yet, and the name of the game in 2023 is going to be discovering who is worth long-term investments.

The Spurs and Thunder are now neck-and-neck as the youngest teams in the league, and I think that will work in the favor of guys like Barlow that may not otherwise get an opportunity so soon.

Barlow is certainly a guy to watch as the Spurs head to Vegas for Summer League games from Friday through Thursday. Luckily, all games will be nationally televised, so fans excited about the latest pickup are in luck.