The Atlanta Hawks are no doubt one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference. However, it can be argued that they have the most upside compared to other bottom-of-the-barrel teams.

With rookie point guard Trae Young and up-and-coming big man John Collins slowly becoming the new faces of the Hawks franchise, veteran forward Taurean Prince is sometimes being forgotten despite remaining a steady presence.

Even though he remains out of the spotlight for the most part, Taurean Prince knows that the critics still exist. And the 25-year-old swingman recently shared some choice words for all the haters.

“[I] just let them know I’m there, really,” Prince said, via Rasshad Milligan of SB Nation. “Letting them know that it’s not being unseen, and they’re entitled to their own opinion so I’m not necessarily mad at them. They can do and say as they please, but I just hope they’ll choke on their words later.”

Despite most of the focus remaining on the aforementioned duo of Young and Collins, Prince is making a point to take pride in his well-rounded game these days.

“I think I’ve adjusted pretty well [since returning],” Prince added. “I’m moving the ball well. I’m playing within the team. I’m cutting way down on my turnovers. I’m taking the shots that are given, I’m not forcing anything. Most of all, I’m taking more pride on the defensive end.”

The Hawks won't reach the postseason in 2018-19, but with Young, Collins and a motivated Prince, it may not be a very long wait before they make the playoffs again.