"Tayshaun Prince hasn't always known who would be to his left or right this season, but he's been the one constant in a season of upheaval and uncertainty.

Short of an injury or other circumstances, Prince has been a model of stability. He wishes the 19 starting lineups had been whittled to a handful, though.

"I think no matter what team you have, in my sense, I think you have to find out who your starting five is and roll with it," Prince said. "I know (coach John Kuester is) searching, but it's been a tough situation."

Still, you can pencil Prince in for 15 points, five rebounds and some heady defense on a nightly basis, even though he's not the stopper he used to be.

Since former coach Rick Carlisle inserted Prince into the lineup in the 2003 playoffs, he's been firmly entrenched as the starting small forward.

"I've tried to be consistent, in practice and games," Prince said. "I try to prepare myself, no matter whether we're a first-place team or last place."

Although he credits himself for his play, Prince feels for the players not as fortunate as him, especially Chris Wilcox, who's play has improved dramatically in recent games.

"I always tell people, when you come off that bench and you're not playing consistent minutes, it's hard to stay in a rhythm," Prince said. "He was in a bad situation last year. He didn't get good minutes."

Prince has had so many lineups around him, he's forgotten who he's been out there with."