Atlanta Hawks: 2017-18 player grades for Taurean Prince

In his second season with the Atlanta Hawks, Taurean Prince emerged as a reliable 3-point shooter. But how dependable was he overall in 2017-18?

When the Atlanta Hawks jettisoned their high-priced veteran talent and began the rebuilding process, many fans and analysts figured young players like Taurean Prince would receive ample playing time to showcase their potential value to the team going forward. In Prince’s case, he exhibited on-court traits that will be useful in Atlanta for years to come.

In his first year of tangible NBA action, Prince emerged as a legitimate scoring option for the downtrodden Hawks. His significant jump in playing time (from 16.6 minutes per game in 2016-17 to 30 per game this year) was accompanied by increases in points (12.4), rebounds (4.7), and assists per game (2.6).

On a team that possesses as little elite talent as the Hawks do, they must collect as many young players with upside as they can. Prince represents a step in the right direction.

The 12th overall pick out of Baylor in the 2016 NBA Draft could develop into a 3-and-D player in the same mold as former Hawk DeMarre Carroll. They even have the same hairstyle. But before Prince earns that moniker, he must improve several areas of his game over the next couple of years.