Mark Price, American basketball player and coach

William Mark Price: An NBA Legend and Respected Coach

William Mark Price, born on February 15, 1964, is a distinguished American former professional basketball player and coach, widely recognized for his exceptional playmaking and shooting abilities as a point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

A Stellar NBA Playing Career: The Cleveland Cavaliers Era

Price carved out a remarkable 12-season career in the NBA from 1986 to 1998, primarily achieving prominence during his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Drafted 25th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1986 and immediately traded to the Cavaliers, he quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. For nine impactful seasons, from 1986 to 1995, Mark Price was the dynamic leader of a highly competitive Cavaliers team. Alongside teammates like Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance Sr., and Ron Harper, he led Cleveland to consistent playoff appearances, challenging the era's elite teams, most notably Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

His time with the Cavaliers is particularly remembered for his elite offensive skill set. Price was a four-time NBA All-Star (1989, 1992, 1993, 1994) and earned All-NBA honors twice, including a prestigious selection to the All-NBA First Team in 1993 and the All-NBA Third Team in 1989. He was renowned for his pinpoint passing, exceptional ball-handling, and a deadly jump shot, making him one of the league's most efficient offensive players.

A true pioneer in shooting efficiency, Mark Price famously became one of the very few players in NBA history to achieve the prestigious 50-40-90 club in the 1988-89 season, recording field goal percentages of 52.6%, three-point percentages of 44.1%, and an astounding free throw percentage of 97.4%. This exclusive club signifies unparalleled shooting accuracy across all three scoring areas. His career free throw percentage of 90.4% remains among the highest in NBA history for players with significant attempts, often ranking him second all-time. In recognition of his profound impact and enduring legacy, the Cleveland Cavaliers retired his iconic No. 25 jersey on November 13, 1999, cementing his status as a franchise legend and a beloved figure in Cleveland sports history.

Transition and Later NBA Seasons

Following his stellar years in Cleveland, Mark Price concluded his playing career with three single-season stints. He spent the 1995-96 season with the Washington Bullets, contributing his veteran experience and shooting prowess. He then moved to the Golden State Warriors for the 1996-97 season, before finishing his illustrious playing career with the Orlando Magic in the 1997-98 season. Despite shorter tenures with these teams, Price continued to demonstrate his fundamental skills and high basketball IQ, providing valuable contributions to each roster he joined.

Coaching Career: From NBA Assistant to Collegiate Head Coach

Transitioning from an illustrious playing career, Mark Price embarked on a diverse coaching journey, leveraging his extensive playing experience and deep understanding of the game. His coaching path included several roles as an assistant coach for various NBA franchises, such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets, where he specialized in player development and offensive strategies. He also gained head coaching experience at the professional level with the Utah Flash in the NBA Development League (now G League).

Most recently, Price held the position of head coach for the Charlotte 49ers men's basketball team at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. From 2015 to 2018, he focused on rebuilding the collegiate program, implementing his offensive philosophies, and mentoring young athletes, aiming to instill the same level of discipline and fundamental excellence that characterized his playing days.

Mark Price's Enduring Legacy and Impact on Basketball

Mark Price's legacy in basketball extends beyond his impressive statistics and numerous accolades. He is widely remembered as an archetype of the modern shooting point guard, influencing a generation of players with his combination of precise shooting, intelligent playmaking, and unwavering efficiency. His fundamental approach to the game, particularly his remarkable free-throw shooting and ability to stretch the floor with three-pointers, set a high standard for guard play in the NBA. Price's career exemplifies dedication to craft and a profound understanding of basketball, leaving an indelible mark on both the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise and the league as a whole, shaping how the point guard position is played.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mark Price

When was Mark Price born?

Mark Price was born on February 15, 1964.

Which NBA teams did Mark Price play for?

Mark Price played for the Cleveland Cavaliers (1986–1995), Washington Bullets (1995–1996), Golden State Warriors (1996–1997), and Orlando Magic (1997–1998).

What was Mark Price's primary position?

Mark Price played primarily as a point guard throughout his NBA career.

What are some of Mark Price's key achievements as a player?

He was a four-time NBA All-Star, an All-NBA First Team selection (1993), an All-NBA Third Team selection (1989), and notably became one of the few players to achieve the prestigious 50-40-90 shooting club in the 1988-89 season. His No. 25 jersey was retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Which college team did Mark Price most recently coach?

Mark Price most recently served as the head coach for the Charlotte 49ers men's basketball team at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 2015 to 2018.

What is Mark Price known for besides his scoring?

Beyond his scoring, Mark Price was renowned for his exceptional playmaking, pinpoint passing, ball-handling skills, and being one of the most efficient free-throw shooters in NBA history.