Mark Price Number Two Retirement

Lore & Background

The retirement ceremony was a poignant celebration of a player who, despite never winning a championship with Cleveland, became an eternal symbol of the team's identity. When Price took the court one last time in his uniform before the jersey was hoisted to the rafters, he represented the heart and soul of a fanbase that had endured through ups and downs. The act of retiring number five was not just about statistics; it was a recognition of his character, his clutch performances, and the way he connected with the people of Cleveland. It remains one of the most cherished traditions in the history of the Quicken Loans Arena (then Gund Arena).

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with a quiet reverence as the lights dimmed on the court, focusing solely on the center circle where Mark Price stood. The familiar red and gold jersey, number two, felt heavier than usual tonight, not from weight but from memory. As the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, listing his records, Price looked up toward the rafters where a new banner was being slowly raised. He saw the faces of fans in the stands, many who had cheered for him since his rookie days, their eyes reflecting a shared history of hope and excitement. In that suspended moment, the noise of the game faded, leaving only the echo of a thousand swishes and the silent promise that this number would never be worn again.

Reader's Guide

The retirement of Mark Price's number two jersey is the highest honor bestowed upon a player in Cleveland Cavaliers history, signifying his status as an all-time great. The event took place on February 17, 2004, during a home game against the Boston Celtics at Gund Arena. This ceremony marked the official removal of the number from circulation within the franchise, ensuring that no future player could ever don the jersey. Price's induction into the rafters was significant because he held the NBA record for career three-point field goal percentage at the time of his retirement, a statistical marvel that redefined perimeter shooting. His tenure with Cleveland included leading the team in scoring and setting franchise records that stood for decades. The decision to retire his number acknowledged not just his individual brilliance but also his role as a cornerstone during a transformative period for the organization. This achievement serves as a permanent testament to Price's impact on the game and the city of Cleveland. It stands alongside the retired numbers of other Cavaliers legends, creating a visual gallery of excellence that fans can admire before every home game. The retirement ensures that Mark Price's legacy remains an integral part of the team's identity for generations to come.

Did You Know?

• Price is one of four Cavaliers players to have his number retired before LeBron James, alongside Larry Nance Sr. (number 25), Brad Daugherty (number 43), and Zydrunas Ilgauskas (number 11).
• He led the NBA in free-throw percentage four times during his career with Cleveland.
• The retirement ceremony occurred nearly a decade after Price officially ended his playing career.

College Dominance at Georgia Tech

Before entering the professional ranks, William Mark Price established himself as an elite point guard during his collegiate tenure at Georgia Tech. Standing six feet tall, he defied size expectations to become a three-time All-American and a four-time selection for the All-ACC team. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Yellow Jackets to an ACC Championship title in his junior year, where they defeated North Carolina in the tournament final. His impact was so profound that the university retired his jersey number and later inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1991, followed by an induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Academically, he balanced this athletic success by graduating with a degree in Industrial Management. Statistically, Price remains the school's all-time leader in several categories, including steals, minutes played, consecutive games started, and three-point field goal percentage.

Revolutionary Playstyle and Shooting Prowess

Drafted second overall in the second round of 1986 by Dallas but immediately traded to Cleveland, Price silenced critics who doubted his speed and size by becoming one of the league's most consistent offensive threats. He is widely regarded as a pioneer for revolutionizing how point guards attack pick-and-roll situations. By splitting double teams—ducking between defenders to hit short runners in the lane—he changed defensive strategies across the NBA, a technique now ubiquitous among modern players. His shooting accuracy was historic; he joined the exclusive 50-40-90 club during the 1988–89 season, joining Larry Bird as one of only two players at the time to achieve such efficiency while meeting league minimums in all categories. Over his career, he maintained a remarkable 90.4% free throw percentage and a 40% three-point shooting average. His offensive mastery earned him four All-Star selections, four All-NBA Team honors, and the prestigious First Team nod following the 1992–93 season.

Injury-Plagued Decline and Final Seasons

Despite his early dominance with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Price's career trajectory shifted dramatically due to persistent injuries that began derailing his performance in 1995. These physical setbacks contributed significantly to his trade to the Washington Bullets prior to the 1995–96 season, marking the start of a nomadic final chapter. He spent one season with Washington before signing as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors in July 1996, where he averaged 11.3 points per game over 70 appearances. His journey continued briefly when he was traded to the Orlando Magic on October 28, 1997, in exchange for David Vaughn III and Brian Shaw. After spending one final season with the Magic, Price was waived on June 30, 1998, effectively bringing an end to his twelve-year professional playing career. This turbulent period contrasted sharply with his earlier years as a cornerstone of an Eastern Conference powerhouse.

Enduring Legacy and Family Connections

Mark Price's influence extends far beyond his final game, cementing his status through numerous honors and family achievements. The Cleveland Cavaliers retired his number 25 shortly after he hung up his sneakers, recognizing him as one of the franchise's greatest offensive players. His hometown of Enid, Oklahoma, honored him by naming their basketball arena Mark Price Arena in tribute to his high school success and professional accomplishments. He is a member of the Sports Halls of Fame for Georgia, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Basketball runs deep in his family; his father Denny was a college coach and former pro, while his younger brother Brent also enjoyed a ten-season NBA career. His children followed athletic paths as well, with daughter Caroline playing professional tennis after college and son Josh competing in collegiate basketball. Price transitioned into coaching shortly after retirement, eventually serving as an assistant for the Denver Nuggets through the 2018–19 season.