Atlanta Hawks: Who Will Exceed Expectations In 2016-17?

Taurean Prince

Position: Small Forward

2015-16 Statistics (Baylor): 15.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.3 APG

Slash Line: 43.2/36.1/77.4

Taurean Prince wasn’t a big name coming into the 2016 NBA Draft and luckily for the Hawks, they were able to acquire him via the three-team trade with the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers.

Leading up to draft night, Prince drew a comparisons countless times to former Hawk and current Toronto Raptor small forward Demarre Carroll. Carroll decided to sign with Toronto after being the definitive 3-and-D guy in Atlanta for two seasons.

Prince can be depended upon immediately to play big minutes off the bench for head coach Mike Budenholzer. The 6’8″ 220-pound wing has a unique maturity about him on the floor that not many rookies these days come with, which could be credited to him spending three years at Baylor.

His size will enable him to guard small forwards and smaller power forwards from day one. That could be great for Budenholzer if he decides to go with a smaller, quicker lineup off the bench.

It won’t be surprising if Budenholzer turns to Prince fairly quickly off the bench in some games if the opposing team’s guards are lighting it up. As he showed at Baylor, his athleticism and size can really disrupt the flow of any scorer.

Fans will often set the bar too high for the rookies of their respective team, but with Prince having all the necessary tools, he shouldn’t have a problem exceeding expectations.

Next: Another Promising Talent