How a 'too small' point guard revolutionized the NBA pick and roll
In short: Critics once dismissed Mark Price as too slow and too small for the elite level. Yet, the 6-foot guard became a scoring pioneer, joining an elite 50–40–90 club and introducing a tactical innovation that defines the modern NBA game.
During his twelve-season NBA career from 1986 to 1998, Mark Price established himself as one of the most efficient offensive players in history. While many focused on his physical limitations, Price's precision was undeniable. In the 1988–89 season, he became only the second player, following Larry Bird, to join the prestigious 50–4/0–90 club, hitting at least 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free throw line. He finished his career with a remarkable 90.4% free throw percentage.
Beyond his individual shooting, Price was a tactical pioneer. He is credited with revolutionizing how players attack the screen and roll. As noted by former teammate Steve Kerr, Price mastered the ability to split the double team, ducking between defenders to exploit the lane. This technique, which was uncommon during his era, has since become a fundamental component of modern NBA offenses.
Price's success was rooted in his dominant collegiate years at Georgia Tech. A three-time All-American, he led the Yellow Jackets to an ACC Championship and was named the 1985 ACC Player of the Year. His statistical footprint at Georgia Tech was massive, holding school records for minutes played (4,604), steals (240), and consecutive games started (126). After his playing days, he transitioned into a prolific coaching and consulting career, working with teams like the Denver Nuggets and the Atlanta Hawks to refine shooting mechanics.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Mark Price
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