Cavaliers forward Taurean Prince is proving to be more than a simple throw-in player in the multi-team trade featuring Jarrett Allen, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com writes.
Prince, 26, was acquired by Cleveland alongside Allen earlier this month. The five-year veteran has been effective in his five games with the team, averaging 9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from downtown.
“He fits the mold of what we’re looking for,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We’re looking for guys who can play multiple positions, guys who have the ability to knock down shots, who have athleticism, who can run the floor. And then on the defensive end, guys who take 1-on-1 challenges and compete.
“It’s how he’s willing to work, the toughness that he plays with, the scrap that he has. We’ve seen that from him in the past. But I’ve been even more pleased having him every single day with how he makes his teammates better, how unselfish he is. We’re definitely glad to have him.”
There’s more from the Central Division today:
- The Cavaliers have once again met with state officials in hopes of boosting their attendance, Fedor writes in a different story. The team presented a comprehensive plan, according to Fedor, who notes that roughly 2,000 fans are currently allowed to attend games at the franchise’s arena, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
- The Pacers have assigned guard Jalen Lecque to their G League affiliate in Fort Wayne, the team announced in a press release. Indiana also transferred two-way players Brian Bowen II and Cassius Stanley. The G League bubble is set to tip-off on February 10.
- Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic examines what the injury to Wendell Carter Jr. means for the Bulls. Carter, who recently suffered a right quad contusion, is expected to miss at least four weeks of action. Chicago currently owns the 10th best record in the Eastern Conference at 7-10.
What the loss of WCJ means for the Bulls? Probably another high lottery pick. Without him, they have really very little defense. He is their primary help defender and the only others who even try are Thad Young, who is likely to be traded by the deadline, and Otto Porter Jr. (ditto). Patrick Williams is a good defender, but also a rookie. So, might as well pile up a few more picks and see if they can find a point guard in the draft.
Prince really has fit into our system well. He’s very nice team player (him and Allen). Now comes the issue of what to do with Drummond…..
Hate how he wastes so many possessions for us.
Their only real options are holding on to Drummond or giving him a buyout. Trading a player with such a large salary is extremely problematic unless they take back one or more players that someone else is trying to get rid of.
Prince seems just slightly out of the age trajectory for the Cavs. Good trade bait this summer, or next season.
How? He’s still just 26 and the Cavs are trying to start competing in the East. You’re not gonna get there with just a bunch of second and third year players.
I guess slightly translates to way out?
I have Nance Jr., Mcgee, Love, Drummond, Dellavedova, Prince, Osman all available.
Windler as a maybe.
Sexton 22, Garland 21, Allen22 ,Okoro 20.
I think slightly was approoriate.
I mostly assumed that you meant he was way out of the age range because you suggested they trade him. I think he’s worth keeping around.
And I’d say most of those guys will end up being available, but I think Nance is a lock to stay. Prince and Cedi are looking likely to stay too. Windler is a question mark but this is basically his rookie year so he should be back too. The rest are likely on their way out though.