Mark Price
A pioneering point guard and one of the NBA's greatest shooters.
Mark Price is an American former professional basketball player and coach. He played point guard for 12 seasons in the NBA, from 1986 to 1998, and spent the majority of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His jersey number 25 was retired by the Cavaliers.
- Jersey Number
- 25
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Price was a four-time NBA All-Star and four-time All-NBA Team member. He is cited as one of the greatest and most underrated offensive players. He pioneered the splitting of the double team on pick-and-rolls. Injuries derailed his career in 1995, leading to trades to the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of Price's career was one of dominance followed by a sharp decline due to physical toll. After establishing the Cavaliers as contenders, injuries began to plague him late in his tenure, leading to a trade to the Washington Bullets prior to the 1995–96 season. He played just one year in Washington before signing as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors in July 1996, where he appeared in 70 games averaging 11.3 points per game. His journey continued on October 28, 1997, when he was traded to the Orlando Magic for David Vaughn III and Brian Shaw. After spending one season with the Magic, Price was waived on June 30, 1998, effectively ending his playing days. Despite the injury-shortened finish, his legacy remained intact; shortly after retirement, the Cleveland Cavaliers retired his number 25 jersey.
Reader's Guide
Price was known as one of the league's most consistent shooters. He finished his career with a 90.4% free throw percentage and a 40% three-point percentage. He was the second player to join the 50–40–90 club. He twice won the Three Point Contest (1993 and 1994) and was named to the All-NBA First Team after the 1992–93 season.
Did You Know?
- Price was selected 25th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1986 NBA draft and was acquired by the Cavaliers in a draft day trade.
- He is an all-time Georgia Tech leader in 3-point field goal percentage (.440), steals (240), consecutive games started (126), and minutes played (4,604).
- Price represented the U.S. national team in the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1994 FIBA World Championship, winning gold medals both times.
- His number 25 was retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mark Price?
Mark Price was an elite point guard who spent his entire prime with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 until 1995. He is celebrated for his smooth shooting mechanics and leadership, earning a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
What were Mark Price's key skills or role?
As the team's floor general, he controlled the offense with exceptional ball-handling and set up teammates while scoring efficiently himself. His free-throw percentage remains one of the highest in NBA history, highlighting his fundamental excellence under pressure.
How did Mark Price join the Cavaliers?
He was originally selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1986 draft but was traded to Cleveland before playing a single regular-season game for them. This trade immediately established him as the primary engine of the Cavaliers' backcourt alongside center Brad Daugherty.
Why is Mark Price important to Cavs history?
Price defined an era of precision shooting in Cleveland, leading the franchise to consistent playoff contention during a competitive decade. His jersey number 25 was retired by the organization, ensuring his legacy remains visible for all future fans.
What happened at the end of Mark Price's career?
Chronic back issues eventually forced him to retire after the 1994-1995 season, ending a remarkable tenure in Cleveland. He departed as one of the franchise's all-time leading scorers and left an indelible mark on Cavaliers basketball culture.
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