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Why Taurean Prince Will Have Instant Impact For The Hawks

By Colby Giacubeno

Dec 6, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) celebrates after scoring against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at the Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) celebrates after scoring against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at the Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) reacts after scoring during the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) reacts after scoring during the first half against the New Mexico State Aggies at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Physical Tools

Listed at 6’8″ 220 pounds, Prince immediately stuck out on the college floor in terms of looking like a man amongst boys. Between Prince and teammate Rico Gathers 6’7″ 275 pounds (who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in this year’s NFL Draft), the Bears from Baylor were never out-muscled by any of their opponents.

Translating to the physicality in the NBA game won’t be an issue for Prince. Of course, he can always get a bit stronger in the weight room to help prepare battling against the bigger small forwards such as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, but for a rookie, he will surprise many veterans with his brute strength.

On top of his height and strength, his seven-foot wingspan makes him an option for head coach Mike Budenholzer to play him at the stretch-4 in smaller lineups, while still giving him a physical presence inside on both ends of the floor.

Prince has drawn comparisons to players such as DeMarre Carroll and Jae Crowder. After the Hawks failed to re-sign Carroll last summer, there were plenty on instances where his absence was felt. Crowder has become one of the most popular names whenever Boston is included in trade talks.

The 3-and-D type of players have become valued in the NBA over the past couple of years, and Prince will fit that category.

Next: Offensive Capabilities

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