Chris Mullin sees Tariq Owens as a defensive game changer, and so far, despite the foul trouble, he has not disappointed in that role. Owens has been like a spider’s web - sticky, hard to get around.
And for what it’s worth, the on-court estimation of his defensive effect on the floor has him highly rated. The team is allowing opponents to score 83 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, which is incredibly good defense. Only Justin Simon has a better defensive rating.
Tariq Owens joins Kassoum Yakwe as a formidable defensive bench combo, though they lack size and bulk.