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Taurean Prince's resurgence is a win in Bucks' sea of losses

Shoutout to Taurean Prince for bouncing back after a horrible injury.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) celebrates after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum on November 13, 2024.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) celebrates after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum on November 13, 2024. | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

After missing most of the season due to injury, Taurean Prince could've given up hope and sat out the rest of the year. No one would have blamed him. A herniated disc is nothing to mess around with at all. However, even with Milwaukee's season in shambles, Prince returned after a long rehab process and has put together quite the resurgence as one of the team's lone bright spots lately.

Prince is having a strong April after finding his footing

It took Prince time to regain his footing. In his first month back, he understandably looked out of place at times—who on the Bucks hasn't this season, right? However, with games reps, the rhythm returned and Prince started looking like his old self, the marksman who can also play some stout defense when called upon. After his feel-it-out month, he's been fantastic.

In four April games, Prince is averaging 17 points, four rebounds, and 2.8 assists while knocking down 60 percent of his triples. Of course, the numbers are a bit inflated than they normally would be due to Prince playing extended minutes—he's at 28.3 in this stretch—as the Bucks struggle to get enough players on the floor, but still, that doesn't take away from his excellence.

The shooting has undeniably stood out the most. In March, he was inconsistent, hitting 36.1 percent of his tries on 5.1 attempts per contest. That might be slightly below his average. In April, he's caught fire, upping his attempts to 7.5 while hitting 60 percent of them, as mentioned. It shouldn't come as much of a shock, as a healthy Taurean Prince was one of the NBA's best shooters last season.

Bucks reminded of what they were missing all season long

No, Taurean Prince wouldn't have altered the trajectory of Milwaukee's season by himself, but losing him certainly hurt. This team was struggling with size on the wing all season long, and Prince's 6-foot-6 self was missed mightily on both ends after the team's first eight games. Now, even with the team's contending odds extinguished, it is nice to see him playing some exceptional basketball.

Whether the Milwaukee Bucks keep or trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, keeping Prince should be on their wishlist. The forward is a seamless fit for any contender due to his two-way play, but he could also be a stable veteran presence for a youngish group looking to break through and reach contender status.

Prince's future with Milwaukee starts with what he decides to do with his player option this summer, but whether he accepts or declines, the team would likely welcome him back with open arms.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.

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