After a lengthy hiatus since November, Taurean Prince's return to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup stirred up questions about how it might impact the team's rotation. The answer came swiftly with AJ Green seeing just 15 minutes of action against the Phoenix Suns. Doc Rivers has made his stance clear: if Green's struggles continue, Prince could step in more frequently.
Green's March has been a rough ride
March has not been kind to AJ Green. Over six games, he's averaging 5.7 points with a dismal 23.7 percent from beyond the arc.
For someone who was previously among the league's top shooters, this decline is startling. Once a key player for Milwaukee, Green now finds himself at risk of losing his spot.
Compared to February, Green is logging nearly 10 fewer minutes per game this month. His shooting woes have become impossible to overlook, and Rivers isn't inclined to wait for a turnaround. Against the Suns, Green's 15-minute stint matched a season low, while Prince, despite it being his first game since November 4, saw more court time.
The potential impact of Prince and Green
While Prince may not single-handedly alter the Bucks' trajectory, he offers valuable skills. As a 3-and-D forward, he fills a gap the team has felt throughout the season.
Although he missed all his shots in his return, his reputation as a sharp shooter and his defensive length are assets. If Green can't deliver these elements, Rivers might increasingly look to Prince.
For Green, the clock is ticking. He shouldn't be entirely benched, but if his shooting slump persists, his minutes will dwindle.
The solution is straightforward: he needs to rediscover his shooting touch. Slumps are part of the game, but consistent shooting is key to regaining his role.
Despite getting quality looks, Green isn't converting. In March, he's shooting 4-of-12 (33.3 percent) on "open" threes and 1-of-6 (16.7 percent) on "wide open" attempts.
For a shooter of his caliber, these numbers are subpar. To reclaim significant playing time, Green must start hitting those shots consistently.
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