The Atlanta Hawks have two very promising rookies on their 2016-17 roster. Could one of them collect some accolades after the season?
If you were to call the 2016 draft class disappointing, there aren’t many people who would disagree with you. As of now, only three rookies are averaging more than 10 points per game. Only one of those players was drafted this year.
Not to say there aren’t players with great potential, just that most rookie’s seasons this year have been underwhelming.
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This makes discussion on the NBA “All-Rookie” teams interesting. In this final stretch of the season, any rookie could play his way onto the second team. Taurean Prince is one such rookie.
Prince’s season stats are not going to blow you away. He is averaging 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist per game in his rookie campaign. His shooting numbers aren’t spectacular at 40% from the field and 32% from three.
However, since the All-Star break Prince’s numbers are up to 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist per contest. These numbers would put him in both the top 10 in scoring and rebounding among rookies. His shooting percentage from three also jumps to nearly 40%
What Prince has excelled at all season is defense. Among rookies, he is top 10 in both steals and blocks per game. Aside from a few rookie mistakes, he has been one of the top defenders on the team. He is sporting the third highest defensive rating on the Hawks among players playing at least 15 minutes per game.
What is most going to help his case is that he is now starting games, due to Thabo Sefolosha being out of the lineup because of injury. In his three career starts, he is averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block per game. The Hawks have a 2-1 record in these games, while Prince himself has a net rating of 5.5. The Hawks have been 5.8 points better than their opponents with him on the floor.
Playing well is one thing for Taurean Prince, but making an All-Rookie team is a whole other thing. There are already multiple players who can be considered locks to make the team. Joel Embiid and Dario Saric of the Philadelphia 76ers and Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks are definitely going to be on the first team.
After that, there are some rookies who aren’t locks but are very likely to make one of the teams. Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings, Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, Marquese Chriss of the Phoenix Suns, Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Yogi Ferrell of the Dallas Mavericks come to mind.
That leaves two spots left. Taurean Prince will be competing with players like Jaylen Brown, Willy Hernangomez, Ivica Zubac, Caris LeVert, Juan Hernangomez, and Rodney McGruder for those last two spots.
Taurean does get some help in that there are no positions to fill on the All-Rookie teams, unlike the two guards, two forwards, one center format of the All-NBA teams.
It will be an uphill battle for Taurean, and the odds aren’t exactly in his favor, but he has a chance. If he continues to get playing time, his chances should only improve. Whether or not he makes the team, one thing seems clear.
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Taurean Prince is going to be a quality NBA player for many years to come.