2016 NBA Draft Prospects: Breaking Down Pro Future of Baylor's Taurean Prince
Taurean Prince burst onto the NBA radar as a junior before solidifying a spot in the 2016 draft discussion as a senior. Despite having an average statistical final year at Baylor, he actually managed to strengthen his case.
With each season, he either sharpened an aspect of his game or added something new.
Still just 21 years old, Prince is one of the youngest seniors in the draft class and is now one of the few seemingly locked into June’s first round.
Relevant Stats
| PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3PT% | ORtg | Usage |
| 15.9 | 6.1 | 2.3 | 1.3 | .432 | .361 | 109.7 | 28.1 |
As Prince's usage rose, his efficiency dropped. His 46.9 percent two-point mark and 43.2 percent field-goal clip were career worsts.
He still chipped in a career-high 15.9 points per game and almost doubled his assist total (77) from a year ago (42), a development that highlights some improved passing ability.
Strengths
At 6'7 ¾" and 220.2 pounds with a 6'11 ½" wingspan, Prince's strong frame, length and athleticism should work at both forward positions.
Working in his favor is the fact he shot at least 36 percent from three-point range in each of his last three seasons. Prince has a fluid spot-up stroke behind the arc, while he's flashed glimpses of pull-up and step-back scoring in the mid-range.
He's comfortable handling the ball in space, which allows him to push the break or slice through lanes and get to the rim.
We've also seen Prince use his size and muscle in the post, where he can hit one-handers over the shoulder or improvise and separate into unorthodox (but quality) field-goal attempts.
Prince also offers promising defensive potential and versatility, with the length and foot speed to guard wings and the size and strength to handle 4s.
Weaknesses
Though versatile, Prince isn’t an adept one-on-one shot-creator. He gets himself in trouble by trying to take over possessions and hunt for shots.
Prince doesn’t project as a scorer coaches will want to isolate at the pro level.
This past year, despite his physical tools, age and skills, he only shot 43.2 percent and turned it over 2.7 times per game. He also got to the free-throw line just 4.3 times in 30.6 minutes per game.
Though mobile, agile and capable of leaping above the rim, Prince isn’t lightning-quick or explosive.
Pro Comparison
DeMarre Carroll
Like Carroll, Prince has some three-and-D in his game. Neither are go-to players. Instead, they're third or fourth complementary options.
They catch and shoot around the perimeter or attack the hoop in line drives. You won't see either doing much dribbling in the half court.
Defensively, they're strong forwards capable of sticking smaller guards or wings. Each can also get physical with opposing 4s despite standing under 6'8".
Best-Case Scenario
Prince has starting forward potential, given his textbook physical tools and the value tied to his identity. Though he doesn't tout All-Star upside, lineups with established scorers and playmakers could covet his complementary strengths.
In a best-case scenario, Prince develops into a 30-minute, 15-point-per-game combo forward and defensive asset.
Worst-Case Scenario
Prince's ceiling isn't super high, but his floor isn't too low. It's tough to imagine him not sticking around in the Association.
Between his shot-making skills, defensive versatility, NBA body and athleticism, he should fit into most rotations without needing to make major improvements or adjustments.
In a worst-case scenario, he'll settle into the league as a Tony Snell-like reserve.
Prediction
There just isn't much to question about Prince. He gives off sure-thing vibes, which could go a long way in a draft with so much uncertainty. He'll likely be a late lottery to early-20s pick and could actually crack a rotation as a rookie.
Becoming a nightly 12-point, five-rebound contributor by his second year sounds reasonable.
Long-term, we should be talking about a two-way player and key rotational forward—whether it's off the bench or in the starting lineup.
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