Giannis Antetokounmpo's praise of Bucks newcomer highlights his importance

The Milwaukee Bucks have had a fairly busy offseason but have gone under the radar.

Key additions in free agency with two young, exciting draft picks have helped to address some of the Bucks' biggest needs, and Doc Rivers spoke positively about the team's defense on media day. Giannis Antetokounmpo also spoke, praising Taurean Prince and highlighting the importance that the former Los Angeles Laker could have in Milwaukee.

Prince was signed to a one-year minimum deal back in early July, and the experienced forward will team up again with Darvin Ham, his former head coach in Los Angeles.

During the 2023-24 season, Prince averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.7 steals across the 78 games he played in, shooting well with splits of .442/.396/.735. Across his career, he is a 37.6 percent shooter from deep, which is a huge bonus for the Milwaukee Bucks to have along with his defense.

Taurean Prince has gotten on Giannis Antetokounmpo's good side

On media day, Giannis praised all of his teammates and discussed how well the team has bonded during the training camp and the impact Rivers is having in their first offseason together. The first thing he said when discussing Prince was that he was "great" and sent a flurry of compliments the veteran's way.

The two-time MVP said "TP does the right thing, can defend any position. I don't think there is anybody on the floor that plays harder than TP."

It is a great sign for the newcomers that the superstar of the team is giving this level of praise to a guy who will play huge minutes as a 3-and-D forward that will aid the team and their desire to play a versatile defensive scheme.

With Khris Middleton expected to start on the wing and Prince to backup, Prince himself was saying all the right things as he will embrace the role of being a part of the second unit and also asked for clips of assisted 3-point makes from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Middleton. All are great signs from the Milwaukee Bucks newcomer.

There is a chance we see Prince starting if Middleton is out, but he will be a huge part of the roster this coming season. He is the defensive-minded forward the Bucks have needed since losing P.J. Tucker. So far, Taurean Prince is saying all the right things, but so are his teammates.