Taurean Prince returns after surgery

Mar 11, 2026 11:27 AM

Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince made his return to the court Tuesday after being sidelined since November, when he underwent surgery to treat a herniated disk in his neck.

Head coach Doc Rivers admitted he was surprised to see Prince back in uniform this season, crediting the veteran’s determination and work ethic for the comeback, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.

“It’s cool because, honestly, I didn’t think he’d play this year,” Rivers said.

“The fact that he’s worked the way he’s worked to get back on the floor, it’s just all about him and who he is. It really is. It’s really a cool thing.”

Rivers also explained that Prince remained an important presence around the team even while recovering.

The coach said the organization embraced him as a mentor-like figure when it appeared his season might be over.

“When he got injured, we grabbed him and told him, ‘Welcome to the coaching staff’ because that’s basically what he was gonna be this year,” the coach said.

“And early on, it did look like that. He was in a brace, couldn’t really do anything. And then as his neck started healing, hope came.”