Atlanta Hawks: 5 goals for Taurean Prince in 2017-18
4. Become the hustle player in Atlanta
Atlanta enters the 2017-18 season with very few defined positions. Outside of Dennis Schroder securing the point guard job, training camp will provide definitive answers for the remainder of the starting lineup.
Taurean Prince is the favorite to land the starting small forward job, but he will be pushed by DeAndre’ Bembry, another second-year player, throughout training camp.
One way Prince can secure the job is to focus on the minute aspects of the game, those that typically don’t receive any recognition in the box score.
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The former Baylor star needs to be the player willing to dive on the floor for loose balls, set screens to free up teammates for open looks and become the player to close off passing lanes.
Anytime an opponent has the ball, the Hawks need Prince to be in constant motion, preventing anyone from firing off a shot with a clean look at the rim.
During his rookie season, the opposition shot 6.1 percent higher than their season average with Prince defending them on 3-point shot attempts. Closing out on the perimeter should be a main focal point for his development this year.
Along with disrupting 3-point shot attempts, Prince needs to use his 6’11” wingspan to prevent entry passes into the post. Prince deflected 1.4 passes and recovered 0.6 loose balls per game.
If he can significantly increase those figures, Prince could hold onto the small forward job in Atlanta for years to come.