Thank You, Tayshaun Prince!

Feb 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Tayshaun Prince (12) is congratulated by fans after the game against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated Atlanta 89-88. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

It seems that recently acquired Tayshaun Prince, will be on his way out after all. According to Yahoo Sports, Prince and the Boston Celtics are looking for a way to get Prince on his way out, but at the same time, accommodate both parties. Prince has a $7.7 million contract, and playoff teams aren’t willing to give up much for him.

If the Thursday deadline passes, it looks like the organization will be willing to work out a buyout with Prince. Me personally, would like to see Prince’s contract be used to acquire Goran Dragic, who seems to be ready to split ties with the Phoenix Suns organization.

Either way, I wanted to post something about Tayshaun’s impact on our organization. Prince came over to the Boston Celtics in early January, part of a 3 team deal that included our beloved Jeff Green going to the Memphis Grizzlies and us taking the expiring deal of Tayshaun Prince. Some would say he was another overpaid veteran the Celtics would be willing to assume, considering the Celtics seem poised to restart this offseason.

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As a result, many expected Prince to be bought out, similar to how Nate Robinson was bought out after his trade. That wasn’t the case, and I was pissed to tell you the truth. I mean I would love to see that $7.7 million come off the books at the end of the season, but at the same time, I wanted to see our younger guys like James Young and the crew get more playing time, instead of Tayshaun Prince sharing minutes with Gerald Wallace(Another CAP killer) and Jae Crowder.

Jan 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Tayshaun Prince (12) defends Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during second half action at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

But, Prince has kind of grown on me. Since his acquisition, the Boston Celtics are 8-8 and when he plays 20+ minutes in a game, the Celtics are 4-2. His surprising leadership and revitalized play, sparked something in our team that was searching for an identity. Check out some of his best moments as a Celtic below –

His stint has been short, but he provided the leadership that our team needed when Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce left. None of the guys on the team right now have seen a winning season(other than Brandon Bass) in a Celtics uniform. Prince came in and showed guys like Marcus Smart and the other younger guys on how to win the right way and what it means to be a professional basketball player.

He also said all the right things. When Prince decided not to pursue the buyout immediately, Prince said,

"“I obviously want to provide a spark, provide leadership, just kind of help wherever I’m needed,” said Prince. “Who knows the situation as far as the first few games as far as how much I play. I’m not really too concerned with that. The most important thing, I think, where they’re looking out of me is to provide some leadership, some experience.”"

He went on saying,

"“The most important thing is, even though all options are on the table, my job is to be a Boston Celtic at this point in time and help where help is needed. That’s the main thing. I can’t have one foot in and one foot out the door even though everything is on the table.”"

Now it seems Prince is ready to go, and I am completely okay with that! He did exactly what he said he was going to do and he completely surprised me with his class and leadership. The Hardwood Houdini crew want to give a shoutout to Tayshaun Prince! Thank you for your leadership and experience and we wish you the best in the playoffs Tayshaun!

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