When Taurean Prince came to the Milwaukee Bucks, the expectation was that he would serve as the backup to Khris Middleton. He acknowledged this himself on an episode of 'Run Your Race' prior to the start of last season, highlighting his desire to provide the Bucks with security off the bench. Well, that didn't go according to plan.
Prince started in 73 of his 80 regular season showings last season, largely due to Middleton battling through injuries before being traded. With questions at the small forward spot, many wondered if he would reclaim that role once again, but Doc Rivers has pushed back on that. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I think he'll be great for us, especially coming off the bench, knowing his role."
Bucks to make understandable Taurean Prince change
Prince got dealt a lot of odd hands last season. He envisioned a bench role but was thrust into the starting lineup. He then quickly became the team's primary defender every night, taking on the big-name players across the NBA. Once Kyle Kuzma came to town, Prince was booted out of the small forward slot, instead being moved to shooting guard, which is not his natural position.
Despite all of this, Prince had a strong regular season, shooting an electric 43.9 percent from deep while playing decent enough defense. Even if he looked out of place at times, he looked like a piece that could help this team. However, all the goodwill Prince had built up collapsed in the NBA Playoffs, where his production fell off a cliff to the point where he was benched.
It was such a drop-off that plenty of Milwaukee Bucks fans were shocked when the team brought him back this summer. Yet, this claim from Rivers does make the move to retain him more justifiable. The veteran can absolutely play a role on a team looking to win. However, he shouldn't be a focal point on either side of the ball like he was for the Bucks last year. He's a role player. He has a role to play.
On paper, Prince's role is easy to dictate. The Milwaukee Bucks need him to be a strong floor spacer - almost exclusively as a catch-and-shoot player. When Prince starts taking those pull-up threes - an area he shot 23 percent in last season - things get gloomy. Defensively, he must be adequate. The Bucks can't ask him to be their primary wing defender. They must also mainly play him in position.
Taurean Prince has everything he needs to bounce back with the Milwaukee Bucks, especially if they are giving him the role he initially signed up for.
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