When ‘leadership’ was cited as one of the reasons Joe Dumars re-signed Tayshaun Prince to a four-year deal with the Pistons after the lockout ended last season, it understandably raised a few eyebrows.

Although Prince’s personality has never made him too outwardly vocal on the court, his body language towards his younger teammates has changed over the last two seasons as well. He looks more patient. He can frequently be seen talking to teammates during huddles or on the bench, explaining things and trying to impart to his teammates elements of the basketball savvy that has made him such a reliable NBA player.

Prince’s skillset is still probably a better fit on a more veteran roster of a contending team, but he also deserves credit for not only getting his shooting back on track this season, but adapting to the role this team needed him to play in order for its young centerpieces to get a chance to improve and grow.

via Dan Feldman of the Detroit Free Press