Post#5 » by darkangle901 » Tue Mar 19, 2013 8:55 am
I'm starting to really like what I'm seeing from Tayshaun Prince. The guy's been really effective in a number of ways, particularly on offense. He has shown he can score in the post, on cuts to the basket, from the outside, and on the break since we've gotten him.
But tonight he showed he could take over the high-post passer role with Gasol on the bench. That could be key for us if we continue to use him in that way. Being able to sit Gasol and not really change much about our offensive sets could help us negate the lack of consistent scoring from the bench guys.
Prince also showed that he can be used as a ball-handler and point-forward, particularly in the small-ball lineups. With the offense being run through him, Mike Conley - the team's most consistent shooter - was free to play off the ball. He was able to cause problems for the defense by moving without the ball and looking for his shot.
I think that's what was most impressive: his decision-making with the ball. Most of the season, our only go to plays when we needed a bucket was one of:
1) Conley P&R
2) Randolph Iso
3) Gasol high post
4) Rudy Gay hero ball
Maybe it's too soon to say this, but using Prince as a point-forward may be an even better option. His length gives him the ability to post up any perimeter player, and he's crafty enough to start his post-ups from farther away than most players while still coming up with good looks. He also can pass, shoot, and put it on the floor.
And since Prince is every bit as good defensively as the guy he replaced, his length, versatility, and excellent decision-making may very well prove to be what this team has been missing.
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