The Milwaukee Bucks announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that forward Taurean Prince underwent surgery in Los Angeles on Thursday to treat a herniated disk in his neck.
“Medical Update: Taurean Prince underwent surgery today to address the herniated disc in his neck. The procedure was performed by Dr. Robert G. Watkins IV at the Watkins Spine Center in Los Angeles. Prince remains out indefinitely and further updates will be provided as necessary,” the team wrote in the post.
Medical Update: Taurean Prince underwent surgery today to address the herniated disc in his neck. The procedure was performed by Dr. Robert G. Watkins IV at the Watkins Spine Center in Los Angeles. Prince remains out indefinitely and further updates will be provided as necessary.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 14, 2025
The Bucks also reported that Dr. Robert G. Watkins IV of the Watkins Spine Center performed the surgery. He had previously operated on Bucks center Brook Lopez’s back in December 2021, allowing Lopez to return later that season.
The exact timing of Prince’s injury is unknown, but he last played on November 4 in Toronto. He was first held out of the November 7 game against Chicago with what was initially thought to be a sprain.
Mar 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) shown on the court prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Selected 12th overall in the 2016 draft, Prince is now in his 10th NBA season and his second with Milwaukee. He re-signed with the Bucks this past summer on a two-year deal that includes a $3.8 million player option for 2026-27, which he is expected to exercise following the unfortunate injury.
Taurean Prince with the Bucks
Mar 22, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince (12) gestures after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Last season, Prince played in 80 games, starting 73, and averaged 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 43.9% from three in 27.1 minutes per contest. This fall, the Bucks forward appeared in eight games, posting averages of 6.1 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 0.8 steals while shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc in 21.1 minutes per game.
With Prince expected to miss significant time, Kyle Kuzma’s minutes have risen and are likely to stay elevated. Amir Coffey is set to see more court time, and Gary Harris could also be integrated into the rotation. Whenever the Bucks can deploy two shooting guards at the two and three positions, they will likely take advantage of that configuration as much as possible.
Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) shoots during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Adding outside help seems improbable given the number of Bucks players with player options for next season, which makes roster moves more complicated. A disabled player exception also appears unlikely due to the uncertain timeline for Prince’s recovery. As a result, Milwaukee will probably need to address the gap internally, using whatever resources they have available.