The book is pretty straight forward on Omar. On defense, he’s not fast, but he's got good feet and is above average at doing a few things like showing and recovering on a pick and roll. However, he has almost no vertical leap. Therefore, he isn’t going to provide any shot blocking at the next level. While he was a good rebounder in college, I would anticipate his lack of explosiveness would limit his rebounding ability to average at best. So overall, he’s probably C+ on defense and rebounding.
But he possesses a skill the Kings have lacked at center since Vlade left – low post scoring. He’s got a ton of moves, is patient, and is a good and willing passer from the block. Whether that translates to the next level, depends upon whether he can adjust to the dramatic change in the level of opponent – particularly people who can get off the floor.
He’s a long shot to make it in the league, but he has size and a particular skill set. While the pundits don’t see him getting drafted and they are probably right, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a team take a Jerome James type flyer on him in the 50s.
If we take Cousins, I don’t see any interest on either side for Omar on the Kings summer league or training camp. Otherwise, with his skill set, our needs, and his local ties, I think both parties have to be interested in giving him a look on the Kings.
