The Bucks applied for a Disabled Player Exception for Prince earlier this month, indicating that they anticipate that he's "substantially more likely than not" to be unable to play through June 15, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.
Milwaukee labeled Prince as out indefinitely after he underwent surgery Nov. 13 to address a herniated disc in his neck. Approximately six weeks later, the Bucks haven't yet offered a more official timeline for Prince's return, but the team's decision to apply for a DPE implies that he's effectively being viewed as out for the season. Ultimately, an NBA-designated physician would need to concur with the Bucks' assessment that Prince is unlikely to return before June 15 in order for Milwaukee to be granted a DPE, which would enable the team to sign a player to a one-year deal worth about $1.7 million -- half of Prince's salary -- or less. Before being shut down after undergoing surgery, Prince had appeared in the Bucks' first eight games of the season and averaged 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers, 1.0 assists and 0.8 steals in 21.0 minutes per contest.
Prince underwent surgery Thursday to repair the herniated disc in his neck and will remain out indefinitely.
The Bucks released an update Monday noting that the forward is in line for a significant absence, so this latest report doesn't provide much in terms of a timetable for his return. The team should release updates on Prince's status as he begins to clear hurdles in his rehab.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Headed for extended absence
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Prince is expected to miss a "significant period of time" after he was diagnosed Monday with a herniated disc in his neck, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Before missing Milwaukee's last two games due to the injury, Prince had been a key bench player for the Bucks, averaging 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers and 1.0 assists in 21.0 minutes over his first eight appearances of the season. A clearer timeline for Prince's return should be established once he's able to resume on-court work, but he can be considered as week-to-week for now. His absence likely won't have many fantasy implications, though it could open up a few extra minutes for reserves such as Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Still out Sunday
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Prince (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Rockets.
Sunday will mark Prince's second straight game on the sidelines, and for now, he should be considered questionable for Monday's game in Dallas. Prince's minutes will likely be divvied up amongst Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis and Amir Coffey.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Won't play Friday
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Prince (neck) will not play Friday against the Bulls.
Prince was unable to shed his questionable tag and will miss his first game of the campaign. With Prince sidelined, the Bucks could use a committee approach to soak up his minutes with guys like Kyle Kuzma, Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey getting some extra run.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Questionable vs. Chicago
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Prince is questionable for Friday's game against the Bulls due to a neck strain.
Prince is in jeopardy of missing his first game of the season. The veteran forward has played a strict reserve role so far, although Prince's absence would free up some extra minutes for Kyle Kuzma off the bench.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: One assist in loss
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Prince provided zero points (0-5 FG, 0-5 3Pt) and one assist across 21 minutes during Tuesday's 128-100 loss to the Raptors.
Prince was unable to make any of his shot attempts, and the lone stat he recorded was an assist in 21 minutes of action. Tuesday marked Prince's first scoreless outing of the season, so hopefully he is able to get back on track Friday against the Bulls.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Scores eight points
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Prince chipped in eight points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt) and one block in 21 minutes during Tuesday's 121-111 win over the Knicks.
Prince's low workloads could hold him back, but he's quietly off to a great start to the campaign. Through four games, he's on pace for 10th-round value in nine-category formats with averages of 7.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.5 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers on 57.9 percent shooting from the field.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Muted offensive performance in win
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Prince scored three points (1-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt) and added three rebounds, three assists and a steal over 21 minutes in Friday's 122-116 win over Toronto.
Prince was unable to follow up Wednesday's performance, making just one field goal. His value is largely dependent on how efficient he is from the field, which does not deem him a consistent fantasy option at the moment.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Plays well in win
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Prince finished Wednesday's 133-120 victory over the Wizards with 11 points (4-5 FG, 3-4 3Pt), one rebound, two assists and one steal across 22 minutes.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is going to bring Prince off the bench this season, but he's likely to be a key member of the second unit with minutes in the low-to-mid 20s. Prince is typically a low-usage player who can chip in with some points, three-pointers, rebounds and steals, but his fantasy appeal is likely to be limited to very deep leagues in his new role.
Prince agreed to a two-year, $7.1 million contract with Milwaukee on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Prince signed a one-year deal with the Bucks last offseason and started 73 of his 80 regular-season appearances, averaging 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steals in 27.1 minutes while shooting a career-best 43.9 percent from beyond the arc. Milwaukee will retain the 31-year-old's services for at least one more season, as he'll have a player option for the 2026-27 season, per Charania. Prince should be one of the top players off the bench if he doesn't crack the starting five.
Prince produced zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt), one rebound and one block across four minutes during Tuesday's 119-118 overtime loss to the Pacers in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Prince was moved to the bench in Game 3 of this series and saw his role steadily decline in favor of Gary Trent. Prince was relied upon heavily across 80 regular-season games, averaging 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.8 three-pointers. The 31-year-old forward should have plenty of suitors once he hits free agency this offseason as a reliable role player.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Retreating to bench
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Prince is not in the starting lineup for Game 3 against the Pacers on Friday.
The Bucks are tweaking their lineup for Game 3 and Prince will move to the bench since Gary Trent will be promoted to the first unit. Prince registered six points (2-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt), four assists and two steals across 19 minutes during Tuesday's 123-115 loss to the Pacers in Game 2.
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Bucks' Taurean Prince: Sees just 19 minutes
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Prince registered six points (2-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt), four assists and two steals across 19 minutes during Tuesday's 123-115 loss to the Pacers in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Prince has seen a reduced role through the opening two games of this series. He's averaging 19.5 minutes per contest with 3.0 points, 3.5 assists, 1.0 rebounds and 1.0 three-pointers on a combined 2-of-5 shooting from the field. At Prince's expense, the Bucks have been relying heavily on Bobby Portis and Gary Trent in the second unit.
