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
Rookies always have the most to prove in training camp right off the bat. Most of the concerns come with their bodies and conditioning being up to par with the experienced NBA players.
With Taurean Prince, there’s no need to worry about the strength issue. His 6’8″ 220-pound frame should fare just fine with the physicality not only in training camp, but also once he is matched up against opposing small forwards.
Prince showed his versatility throughout summer league and his maturity on the floor made him look as if he had already been in the league for a year or two.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer will look to utilize his 22-year-old out of Baylor off the bench as a 3-and-D type of player. He has drawn comparisons to former Hawk DeMarre Carroll, but Prince has more to his game than Carroll brought including the ability to finish above the rim over bigs.
Driving the lane against Dwight Howard and Paul Millsap throughout training camp should give Prince a good feel for what it will be like to face top defensive frontcourts once the regular season comes around.
The biggest thing to watch is how he is picking up Budenholzer’s terminology and schemes throughout camp. If he does well with that, Prince could be seeing a lot of minutes in his rookie campaign.
Next: A Fresh Start