Zach Lowe giving Prince some love

[johnnyde]

Full article: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/21771623/zach-lowe-10-things-like-including-chicago-bulls-nba

9. Taurean Prince, making plays

You'd be forgiven for skipping out on the Hawks.

They're 6-22, and their exciting rookie -- John Collins -- missed two weeks before returning Thursday. But keep an eye on Prince. He's shooting 41 percent from deep, and looking more comfortable attacking off the dribble as a secondary ball handler -- exactly the kind of progress the Hawks wanted in Year 2:

That is a sophisticated NBA play: Prince bobbing and weaving around Dewayne Dedmon's pick, pinning a defender on his back, freezing the defense with a hesitation dribble, and then baiting Jordan into an ill-fated leap. Prince is dishing about three dimes per 36 minutes, and he's had recent games with eight, six, and five helpers.

Prince is even better blowing by dudes rushing to contest 3-pointers. He catches-and-goes right away, with a fast-twitch pump fake that amounts to a nod at the rim. He is cutting the amount of time he holds the ball, or dances with it -- cardinal sins in Budenholzer's offense. If anything, Prince should probably shoot more 3s; he defaults into drive mode even when he has room to fire.

[frosgrim]

Prince's development is key to the team, glad to see a pundit showing how he's improved. I don't think Prince will ever be an all-star but he can definitely be a solid starter for us.

[Sothron]

Yes, people think players are either All NBA or busts. There's like no room for anything in between. A plus starter is exactly what Prince can be.

[hazer]

Fresh Printz can/will be a consistent 2014-15 DMC for the Hawks, and that’s plenty. Borderline all-star, but that’s it. And that’s fine.

[bleachkit]

He's a glue guy. They always help you win.