Mark Price – A Sharpshooter and Floor General of the NBA
Mark Price, one of the most skilled point guards of his era, carved out an impressive basketball career defined by intelligence, precision, and leadership. Born on February 15, 1964, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Price rose to prominence at Georgia Tech, where he was a standout player known for his shooting ability and basketball IQ. His collegiate success earned him a spot in the 1986 NBA Draft, where he was selected in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks, though he was quickly traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers — the team where he would make his mark in NBA history.
During his nine seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers (1986–1995), Price became the cornerstone of one of the franchise’s most competitive eras. Despite being only 6 feet tall, he was a dynamic scorer and exceptional playmaker. His combination of court vision, speed, and shooting accuracy made him a nightmare for defenders. Price’s elite ball-handling and ability to split double teams revolutionized the modern pick-and-roll offense, inspiring many point guards who followed. PG66
One of Price’s greatest strengths was his shooting efficiency. He was one of the first players in NBA history to join the exclusive 50–40–90 club, shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season. His career free-throw percentage of 90.4% ranks among the best in NBA history. From beyond the arc, he was a consistent threat, making him one of the league’s earliest and most effective three-point specialists.
Throughout his career, Price earned four NBA All-Star selections (1989, 1992–1994) and was named All-NBA First Team in 1993. He also helped lead the Cavaliers to multiple playoff appearances, including deep runs in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Unfortunately, recurring knee injuries hindered his longevity and prevented Cleveland from reaching the NBA Finals during his tenure.
After leaving Cleveland, Price played for the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic before retiring in 1998. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, serving as an NBA assistant and later as the head coach at UNC Charlotte.
Mark Price’s legacy endures as one of the purest shooters and smartest point guards of his generation. His blend of skill, humility, and work ethic left a lasting influence on the game, paving the way for the modern, spacing-oriented style of basketball seen today.
