Tayshaun Prince may be the next member of the Memphis Grizzlies organization to follow Ed Stefanski to Detroit.
“Opportunity” is a perfect word to describe a handful of changes within the Memphis Grizzlies organization this offseason. Tayshaun Prince, a special assistant within the Grizzlies’ Front Office, may very well be on the move after he successfully mentored the team’s youngsters during the 2017-18 season.
Of his 14 NBA seasons, Prince spent time during three as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster. Though his glory days were done, he was a formidable starter at small forward when he was acquired via trade with the Detroit Pistons in 2012.
After retiring from hoops action in 2016, Tayshaun Prince rejoined the Memphis Grizzlies in August of 2017, where he accepted his current role. It was made clear that something was in the works between Tayshaun and the Grizz when the NBA World Champion made random appearances at Vegas Summer League games featuring the Grizzlies one year ago.
According to Vince Ellis of Detroit Free Press, Prince may soon decide to follow the footsteps of a former member of the Grizzlies’ Front Office — Ed Stefanski. There was a close working connection between Prince and Stefanski. Stefanski is now property of the Detroit Pistons and Tayshaun is one of the greatest players the Pistons have ever had in uniform. Thus, it feels inevitable that Prince will soon move well north of Memphis, Tennessee for a reunion in the Motor City.
This would honestly be a major loss for Memphis. It would likely be overlooked being as Tayshaun Prince is not a member of the current roster — he is a behind-the-scenes guy. He brought strong veteran knowledge to the team — championship experience, too. He is newly retired and had a special bond with the young Grizzlies largely because of his “youth” in his off-court position. Memphis is notorious for lacking in the youth development department, and Tayshaun Prince was a major help in boosting that particular area in the 2017-18 season.
For instance, take a look at Dillon Brooks, a stellar two-way player. Brooks made great strides throughout the season at the small forward position. Prince was present to extend advice to Dillon throughout the season. It is no surprise the rookie showed excellent perimeter defense on some of the league’s top wing scorers. He had Tayshaun — also a small forward during his playing days — right by his side. Talk about a major luxury to have as an underrated rookie. No wonder “DB” excelled in his first year.
Regardless, this appears to be another name heading towards the exit door in Memphis. There has also been talk of a couple members of the coaching staff receiving interest from other NBA clubs. Add in Ed Stefanski. Next may be Tayshaun Prince. These may not be earth-shattering moves, but they are valuable pieces of the organization taking a step forward. If anything, the Memphis Grizzlies will not be able to easily replace a professional guy like Prince.
Go Grizz!