Taurean Prince could patch a flaw the Bucks have been trying to fix for years

Beyond defense: offensive contributions to the Bucks

While defense is Prince's calling card, he also offers offensive value. He put up a decent 8.9 points, 2.9 boards and 1.5 assists per game for the Lakers this past season on 44.2 percent field goal shooting and 39.6 percent from behind the 3-point line.

That last number is what Milwaukee Bucks fans should be looking at. Prince is a capable 3-point shooter, which is essential in today's NBA. His ability to space the floor would create more driving lanes for Giannis Antetokounmpo and open up the offense for other players. Additionally, Prince is a versatile scorer who can create his own shot or play off the ball.

Even past floor-spacing, Prince is a capable and well-rounded scorer in his own right, albeit not the most polished one and certainly not someone you'd want facilitating an offense. He's an opportunistic cutter who can, at times, create his own shot and finish around the rim. This added scoring dimension makes him a more well-rounded player and reduces the offensive burden on Giannis.

Acquiring Taurean Prince is a significant step forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. His defensive versatility and offensive contributions address key areas of need for the team. By bolstering their defense and adding another scoring threat, the Milwaukee Bucks would become even more formidable opponents in the Eastern Conference.

Prince's defensive ability and team-first mentality align perfectly with the Bucks' culture. For all his flaws as a 3-and-D piece, he's been recognized for being a selfless player who prioritizes winning above individual accolades. His presence in the locker room would undoubtedly elevate the Bucks' defensive spirit and competitiveness.

Considering Milwaukee's bad luck with this particular player archetype over the years, Taurean Prince certainly represents a potential solution to the team's long-standing defensive woes, even if he's just a one-year rental.

Even this version of Prince is arguably already better than past attempts like Jae Crowder and Semi Ojeleye. His defensive versatility, combined with his offensive capabilities, make him a valuable asset for any team. If the Bucks can get the best version of him this season, it could significantly elevate their defensive prowess and solidify their waning status around the association as legitimate championship contenders.

While there are no guarantees in basketball, Prince's skill set and experience very much suggest he could be the missing piece the Bucks have been searching for - at least for now.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.