Mark Price, a point guard known for his exceptional shooting ability and leadership on the court, became one of the most respected players in the NBA during his career. Born on February 15, 1964, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Price honed his skills at Georgia Tech, where he played college basketball before entering the NBA. His professional journey began when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft, though he was quickly traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he would spend the majority of his career.
Price's time with the Cavaliers was marked by his precision shooting and strategic playmaking. Standing at 6 feet tall, he was often considered undersized for his position, yet he compensated with his sharp basketball IQ and shooting prowess. Price became one of the league's premier shooters, particularly from the free-throw line and beyond the three-point arc. His free-throw shooting percentage consistently ranked among the best in the league, and he finished his career with a remarkable 90.4% free-throw shooting accuracy.
During his tenure with the Cavaliers, Price helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the Cavaliers as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference, with Price playing a central role. His ability to orchestrate the offense and score efficiently made him a valuable asset to the team. Price's partnership with teammates such as Brad Daugherty and Larry Nance contributed to the Cavaliers' success during this period.
One of Price's standout seasons came in 1988-89 when he averaged 18.9 points and 8.4 assists per game, earning him a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. His performance that season helped the Cavaliers achieve a 57-25 record, one of the best in franchise history. Price's excellence on the court was recognized with four NBA All-Star selections throughout his career, highlighting his status as one of the league's elite point guards.
In addition to his scoring and playmaking abilities, Price was known for his defensive tenacity. Despite his size, he was adept at reading opponents and disrupting their plays, often leading to steals and fast-break opportunities for his team. His work ethic and attention to detail made him a respected leader both on and off the court.
Price's career faced challenges, particularly with injuries that affected his playing time and performance. Knee injuries in the early 1990s sidelined him for significant portions of several seasons, but he consistently returned to form, demonstrating his ability to overcome adversity. His resilience in the face of these setbacks further solidified his reputation as a dedicated and reliable player.
After his time with the Cavaliers, Price had brief stints with the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic. Although his later years in the league were not as prolific as his prime with Cleveland, he continued to contribute as a veteran presence and mentor to younger players.
Beyond his playing career, Price's influence extended into coaching and player development. He served as a shooting consultant for various NBA teams, sharing his expertise in shooting mechanics and free-throw accuracy. Price also took on coaching roles, including a head coaching position at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he applied his knowledge and experience to guide the next generation of basketball talent.
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