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2016 NBA Draft Radar: Baylor’s Taurean Prince Has Two-Way Player Potential

By James Fitzgerald

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The phrase “two-way player” seems kind of cliche when it comes to basketball because all the players who step on the floor have to be able to play offense and defense in some way, shape or form.

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But in the end, the phrase “two-way player” is reserved for the players who are able to play both offensively and defensively at a high level, so there is a need for the phrase.

Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler are just a few examples of the type of wing players for this era that fit the “two-way player” distinction, and NBA franchises are looking for these types of guards to add to their rosters because they bring tenacity on the defensive end while still being able to get buckets efficiently on the offensive end.

When it comes to the potential crop of players that will be in the 2016 NBA Draft pool, there are a few players that have the potential to be solid two-way players.

Jan 7, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) defends Kansas Jayhawks forward Jamari Traylor (31) during the first half at Ferrell Center. Kansas won 56-55. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Baylor’s 6-foot-7, 220 pound, small forward Taurean Prince is one of those players.

Prince is one of the best wing defenders in the college game right now possessing quickness, athleticism, and the all important 6-foot-11 wingspan.

But to be considered a two-way player , you need to be able to efficiently knock down shots which Prince is actually pretty adept at doing.

For his collegiate career, Prince is a 48.1% shooter from the floor and 38.7% shooter from beyond the arc.

Last season for Scott Drew, Prince averaged 13.9 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. He still managed to sneak in 1.5 steals per contest in the process.

He needs to work on being able to create his own shot when he is isolated, but really his offensive game is using his size and quickness to get baskets by moving without the ball.

Finishing on the break, slashing to the rim, and hitting occasional spot up jumpers is where his offense excels which actually makes him a solid complimentary piece for quite a few NBA teams given his defensive prowess.

When it comes to the NBA, he is going to have to become more consistent with his spot up shooting, and improve on his passing ability.

Decision making with the pass is usually an attribute that most young players coming out of college need to work on, so this is barely an indictment on his game.  It is an ability that can be gained through playing experience.

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    • DraftExpress currently sees Taurean Prince as the 27th best player of the 2016 NBA Draft Class while NBAdraft.net has Prince going in the second round as the 31st pick.

    Those projections make Prince a late first-round to early second round pick.

    Just as a comparison, Jimmy Butler was the 30th pick of the 2011 draft, and he just signed a 5-year $95 million deal with the Chicago Bulls.

    The same way Jimmy Butler was able to improve his game to become one of the best two-way players of this era through hard work, Prince can be that same player and be seen in the same vein.

    Taurean Prince has the potential to be one of the best two-way players taken in the 2016 NBA Draft, and being a two-way player can potentially turn into a long and lucrative NBA career.

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