The Milwaukee Bucks will lose a key piece of their roster for a good chunk of the year. Forward Taurean Prince surprisingly popped up on the Bucks' injury report late last week. Listed with a neck injury, it's now been revealed that the forward will miss a “significant period,” per Shams Charania.
“Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince has sustained a herniated disc in his neck and is expected to miss a significant period of time, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported. “Prince shot 42.9% on 3-pointers in his first eight games of the season.”
Prince signed with the Bucks in 2024. He was a starter for most of the 2024-25 season, averaging 8.2 points on 43.9% shooting from three along with 3.6 rebounds and one steal per game. This season, Gary Trent Jr has taken over his role as the starting small forward for Milwaukee. He's still provided good production for the Bucks, with his three-point percentage and steals avearge barely taking a hit despite playing less.
The Bucks have had a so-so start to the season. Through the first ten games of the year, Milwaukee has a 6-4 record. Prince's injury also comes at an unfortunate time for them, as guard Kevin Porter Jr is yet to return from an injury he suffered in their season opener.
Without Prince, the Bucks will rely on 2024 trade deadline acquisition Kyle Kuzma and Amir Coffey to back up Trent Jr. Kuzma is averaging more points than Prince this season with around 12 points, but his efficiency from outside has been terrible (30.8%). Coffey has seen limited action this season, but the Prince injury will most likely force him to a bigger role.
