Tayshaun Prince
From 23rd pick to Pistons champion and Grizzlies executive.
Tayshaun Durell Prince (born February 28, 1980) is an American professional basketball executive and former player for the National Basketball Association (NBA). The small forward graduated from Dominguez High School before playing college basketball for the University of Kentucky. He was drafted 23rd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2002 NBA draft and went on to win a championship with the team in 2004.
- Draft Pick
- 23rd Overall
Lore & Background
Prince is most remembered for his performance with the Pistons in the 2004 NBA playoffs. During Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, with the Pistons leading 67–64, Prince prevented a potential game-tying layup by Reggie Miller, blocking the shot in a play known as 'The Block'. In 2013, Prince was traded from the Pistons to the Memphis Grizzlies. In 2015, Prince was traded to the Boston Celtics before being traded back to the Pistons. Prince later became a free agent and played one season for the Minnesota Timberwolves before retiring in 2016. Following his retirement, Prince ventured into executive leadership in the NBA. He currently serves as the Vice President of Basketball Affairs for the Grizzlies.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with tension during Game 6 of the 2004 Finals. Prince stood at the top of the key, eyes locked on Kobe Bryant as he prepared to drive. There was no hesitation in his stance; just years of preparation and pure instinct. As the ball crossed half-court, Prince slid laterally, cutting off the angle with a long arm extended like a barrier. The crowd roared when the pass was forced into traffic. In that moment, amidst the noise of Detroit, Tayshaun wasn't just playing basketball; he was enforcing a standard.
Reader's Guide
Tayshaun Prince played four seasons (1998 to 2002) for the Kentucky Wildcats, averaging 13.2 points and 5.7 rebounds. He won SEC Player of the Year in his junior season and was named to the AP All-SEC Teams in both his junior and senior years. Kentucky won the SEC Tournament in 1999 and 2001, and Prince was awarded the 2001 tournament's MVP. He was a three-time team MVP. In his rookie season with the Pistons under Rick Carlisle, Prince appeared in 42 games. He became the only player in NBA history to score more points in the playoffs than in the regular season (137 in the season, 141 in the playoffs). Under Larry Brown, Prince became the starting small forward and averaged 10.3 points per game in 2003–04. He was selected for the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2004–05. Prince signed a five-year, $49 million contract extension on October 31, 2005. He played in all 82 games in 2005–06 and 2007–08. In 2013, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. In 2015, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, then back to the Pistons. He played one season for the Minnesota Timberwolves before retiring in 2016.
Did You Know?
- Prince was drafted 23rd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2002 NBA draft.
- He is known for 'The Block' against Reggie Miller in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals.
- He currently serves as Vice President of Basketball Affairs for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tayshaun Prince?
Selected sixth overall in the 2002 NBA Draft, he became a defining figure for Detroit during its championship run. He wore number 22 and served as a reliable forward throughout the mid-2000s era.
What was his primary role on the court?
Prince functioned as an elite perimeter defender known for his length and ability to switch assignments seamlessly. His defensive versatility allowed the team to maintain its identity under coach Larry Brown without sacrificing offensive flow.
Why is he considered important to Pistons history?
He was instrumental in shutting down star opponents, most notably Kobe Bryant during the historic 2004 Finals upset. His hustle and commitment helped anchor a defense that secured Detroit's first title since the Bad Boys era.
How long did his tenure with Detroit last?
Prince spent over a decade with the franchise before being traded in 2013 after eleven seasons. This long stint cemented his status as one of the most loyal and recognizable faces of modern Pistons basketball.
What is he remembered for specifically by fans?
Fans revere him as 'The Prince of Defense' for his relentless guarding style during the championship window. His legacy remains tied to the gritty, team-first culture that defined the Motor City club in the mid-2000s.
More in Legendary Players & Coaches
Elsewhere in the Detroit Pistons universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record