Soaring Down South
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Five bold predictions for the Atlanta Hawks 2017-2018 season

By Tyler Sellers

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 01: The Atlanta Hawks introduced their secondary logo on t-shirts that were distributed to fans during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Indiana Pacers during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 1, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 01: The Atlanta Hawks introduced their secondary logo on t-shirts that were distributed to fans during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against Indiana Pacers during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 1, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 1: Taurean Prince /

4. Taurean Prince Will Make the All- Star Team

What is Taurean Prince? Seriously, what can he be? Nobody really knows. Is his ceiling a DeMare Carroll type of role player? Or is he on the verge of a Kawhi Leonard like improvement some have suggested? You probably have already guessed which way I’m leaning.

With star small forwards Jimmy Butler and Paul George heading west over the off-season, a emphatic jump in status shouldn’t be necessary. Taken with the 12th pick of the 2016 NBA draft, a lot of fans are hoping he can reach greater heights. After all, that’s a higher pick than MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard was, when he was selected 15th in 2011.

Only time will tell, this year will be his first opportunity to show what he is capable of achieving. With the departures of Tim Hardaway Jr, Thabo Sefolosha and Mike Dunleavy Jr., the Atlanta Hawks have paved the way for Prince to shine. He will be the starting small forward and the lions share of minutes will be coming his way.

We already covered a few statistics that showed where Prince resides with his defensive prowess earlier. He’ll only get better of course, and based on what we already know, he’ll be a beast for a long time. The majority of critical acclaim and credit for his play will be due to how well he performs when he does have the ball however.

Last season’s sample size was too small to make an accurate determination one way or another. In 59 games, 10 starts, he posted 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0,9 assists in 16.6 minutes per game. His scoring efficiency wasn’t any good, hitting just 40.0 percent of his field goals and 32.4 percent of his 3 point shooting. Prince did actually step his game up for the playoffs though. In 6 starts, he posted 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 55.8 percent shooting.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Taurean Prince
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Taurean Prince /

While his usage rate will skyrocket and several circumstances are working in his favor, you should also have confidence in his abilities too. Prince already has the necessary strengths to excel with his athleticism. He has enough speed to succeed in transition for easy deuces on fast breaks. Defenders are usually at his mercy, since he has such a lightning quick first step.

The young versatile forward matches up well with every opponent he’s going to encounter, with a height of 6’8″ and weighing in at 220 lbs. He can absorb hits and finish through contact thanks to his upper body strength. He’ll provide a hearty helping of highlights above the rim.

Prince is starting to round his skills as a scorer into form compared to his capabilities coming out of college. The range on his jump shot doesn’t leave much more to be desired, he can connect from several feet outside of the 3 point arch. The accuracy with which he converts on triples is average at best, but if he can improve at all on the 32.4 percent rate of last season, then he’ll be in good shape.

Attacking the rim and finishing in the painted area is already something the Hawks can count on. His ball handling skills for this stage of his career are impressive, albeit fundamental and boring. When he needs to execute a step back, hesitation or evade defenders, he effectively gets the job done though. 

After a full off-season for training and further development, I expect Taurean Prince to start to come into his own. With the last of the Hawks mainstays leaving in Paul Millsap last month, Prince should be able to pick up a lot of the slack. He’s good enough to post good enough numbers for him to be voted on as a reserve forward in the East.