Brooklyn Nets: Taurean Prince will be the x-factor this season
By Alan Mena
The Brooklyn Nets are one of two teams to win the NBA offseason this summer. One acquisition, in particular, that will serve as their x-factor this season, Taurean Prince.
Back in July, the Brooklyn Nets traded Allen Crabbe, their 17th pick for the upcoming NBA Draft, and a lottery-protected 2020 first-round pick for Taurean Prince and an unprotected 2021 second-round pick.
It was among one of the first few transactions that the Nets made that will have a lasting impact on the franchise. Upon officially joining the Brooklyn Nets, here’s what Prince had to say about his new team back in July:
"“I knew I was coming to a winning team and being able to have a chance to make the playoffs and that’s what was in my mind and now that we have who we have, now we’re thinking championship of course,” said Prince. “That’s what you live for as a basketball player, to be able to play in those opportunities and take advantage of them.”"
Prince is clearly looking forward to beginning the next chapter of his career in Brooklyn. A place where he can make a reappearance in the playoffs and contend for championships after next season.
It is worth mentioning that Prince nearly played his college ball at LUI-Brooklyn until ultimately deciding to play for Baylor. So having another opportunity to play basketball in a city that he genuinely loves and has family, while beginning a new chapter of his career is more incentive for Prince to continue improving his game in order to help his team win.
Furthermore, Prince is entering an environment he’s been in before. He played in Atlanta, where current Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson was an assistant for Mike Budenholzer during two seasons before heading north to run the Men in Black.
Prince spoke highly of both coaches and stated that the players (in Atlanta) were given the flexibility to play to their strengths and uncover new areas of their games as long as they defend and hustle. Two areas in which he has excelled in.
Here are the reasons why Prince will be the x-factor for the Nets this upcoming season.