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Bucks GM banks on Taurean Prince to stabilize small forward spot 1 Jan 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst address the media after head coach Adrian Griffin (not pictured) was dismissed at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Bucks GM banks on Taurean Prince to stabilize small forward spot

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 10:32 AM ET

Despite his rough playoff outing, the Milwaukee Bucks kept their trust in Taurean Prince , bringing him back on a new two-year contract. General manager Jon Horst, who offered him the deal, has been one of Prince’s strongest backers. In a conversation with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Horst made his confidence in Prince clear.

“I think continuity is going to be good for TP. And I think our roster … is better suited for Taurean this year than it was last year,” the Bucks GM remarked.

Prince is slated to earn $3.3 million this season, a manageable figure for Milwaukee. If he delivers on the expectations Jon Horst has laid out, he could prove to be one of the team’s best value signings.

Horst raised a fair point when discussing the roster. Last season, Kyle Kuzma’s move into the starting small forward role forced Taurean Prince into the shooting guard spot. Playing out of position, Prince had flashes, but the fit was clunky, particularly on defense. This year, he should see more time at small forward, either as a starter or in a reserve role.

Taurean Prince and his role in the revamped Bucks

Bucks GM banks on Taurean Prince to stabilize small forward spot 2 Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) shown on the court prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

With Kuzma expected to spend more time at power forward, as Horst suggested, Prince should return to his natural small forward spot. That shift could unlock his best game, particularly on defense. He’s most effective matching up with fellow wings instead of trying to keep pace with quicker, more explosive guards.

Prince’s offensive role is straightforward—stretch the floor for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Last season, he embraced that job, often finding himself open and knocking down shots as a reliable kick-out option. He buried 49.8 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes, leading the NBA among players with at least 65 attempts. He has every tool to deliver that impact again.

Bucks GM banks on Taurean Prince to stabilize small forward spot 3 Feb 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) reaches for a rebound during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Bucks need Horst’s confidence to pay off. Small forward stands out as the roster’s biggest question mark, with only Taurean Prince, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Chris Livingston currently in the mix. Amir Coffey could factor in, but he hasn’t officially joined the roster. For the moment, those minutes fall largely to Prince, and he has to rise to the challenge.

No matter how strong Prince looks in the regular season, the real measure will come in the playoffs. His production has consistently dropped when the stakes are highest. After shooting 43.9 percent from deep during the regular season, he managed only 22.2 percent across five postseason games. The Bucks cannot afford a repeat of that slump.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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