Mark Price Era
The sharpshooter who defined Cleveland's rise in the early nineties.
The Mark Price Era represents the golden age of offensive precision for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Drafted from the University of Kentucky in 1986, Price became the floor general who perfectly complemented center Brad Daugherty and guard Ron Harper. His tenure defined a period where the franchise transformed into a consistent playoff contender known for its clutch shooting and disciplined execution.
- Draft Year
- 1986
- Jersey Number
- 25
- Position
- Point Guard / Shooting Guard
- All-Star Selections (Cavs)
- 3
- League Leader Free Throw %
- Multiple Seasons
- Status
- Retired Legend
- Number Retired By Team
- Yes
Lore & Background
The era was marked by deep playoff runs that fell just short of a championship, most notably in the early 1990s against the dominant Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls. Despite these heartbreaks, Price's connection with the fanbase remained unbroken. His jersey number 25 is retired above the scorer's table at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, standing as a permanent testament to his accuracy and leadership during the franchise's formative years of contention.
In Their Own Story
The Richfield Coliseum hummed with tension in the final seconds of Game Four. The scoreboard flickered red as Mark Price dribbled up the court, the crowd holding its breath. He signaled for the screen, stepped back into his familiar rhythm, and released the ball with that signature high arc. It swished through the net without touching the rim, silencing the opposition and igniting a roar that echoed off the concrete walls of the arena.
Reader's Guide
Selected 13th overall in the 1986 NBA Draft, Price immediately integrated into a young squad led by Brad Daugherty. The early years focused on development, but by 1989, the Cavaliers were a formidable playoff team. Price earned his first All-Star nod that season, establishing himself as an elite shooter. The peak arrived in the early 1990s after Ron Harper joined the roster. This trio pushed Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1992 and 1993. However, injuries began to plague Price by the mid-90s, limiting his minutes and effectiveness. He was traded to Chicago in 1995, ending a nine-year tenure that remains one of the most beloved chapters in franchise history.
Did You Know?
- Mark Price led the NBA in free throw percentage three separate times during his career.
- He is one of only two players in Cavaliers history to have his jersey number retired alongside Brad Daugherty.
- Price was known for shooting jumpers without ever bringing the ball below his waist during games.
- His partnership with Brad Daugherty set a standard for guard-center chemistry in Cleveland.
More in Club History & Eras
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