Why Taurean Prince Should Start Next Season
Taurean Prince has been a bright spot for the Atlanta Hawks this season. Could he become a starter by next year?
Taurean Prince was drafted with the 12th pick in the 2016 NBA draft, a pick that the Hawks acquired in a three-way trade between the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz, which saw longtime starter Jeff Teague shipped off to Indiana and George Hill sent to the Jazz.
A similar trade was made in 2011 when the San Antonio Spurs traded Hill to the Indiana Pacers for Kawhi Leonard. That is a move which has been reported as Mike Budenholzer’s idea when he was an assistant coach for the Spurs.
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Heading up to the 2016 NBA draft, Prince was heralded as a 3-and-D player who had high potential as a defensive specialist. With a 6’8 frame and 6’11 wingspan, it was easy to see why the experts saw his defensive potential. Prince averaged 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 38% from three during his 4-year tenure at Baylor.
When given playing time Prince has shown the fans his unrelenting hustle on both sides of the court. Prince does the dirty work, sort of like another dreaded player that used to don the Hawks uniform. What sets him apart from DeMarre Carroll, though, is his scoring ability.
Prince has the keen ability to drive and finish which is something the Hawks have lacked since Josh Smith’s departure. Prince also shows off his impressive athletic ability on the defensive end when he is contesting shots, as it is becoming more and more likely that he will get the block on those possessions. In his first start, Prince finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and three steals.
Thabo Sefolosha has been a pretty good player since the Hawks signed him in 2014 but it is time for a youth movement. For as good as Sefolosha has been on the defensive end, the Hawks should not bring him back under any circumstances unless it’s for the veteran minimum and a bench role.
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Every time Prince steps on the floor his potential flows out of him and the Hawks do not need a veteran role player stepping in the way of a future players development. Prince currently sits as the team’s 5th best defensive player and can only get better. Taurean Prince is one of the bright spots on this Hawks team and should be allowed his chance to shine.