When hoop fans and experts discuss the most underrated players in NBA history, Mark Price‘s name rarely ever comes up. Despite being a four-time All-Star and a four-time member of the All-NBA Team, Price doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
But his former teammate Ron Harper remembers Price’s talent all too well. In fact, he recalls one specific moment where Price outplayed all-time great Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons so badly that Zeke wanted a physical altercation.
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Unassuming assassin
A glance at Price wouldn’t convince anyone he was an NBA All-Star. He stood 6 feet and weighed 170 pounds, so nobody could fault anyone who thought he worked at the local grocery store instead of playing professional basketball. But his slight frame and unassuming appearance were misleading. He was an assassin on the court, armed with a lethal jump shot, an unflappable handle and stellar playmaking abilities.
Even though Price didn’t start and played only 18 minutes off the bench during his rookie year, Harper knew it was only a matter of time before he would prove himself as someone capable of running the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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“When I got Mark Price my first year, we had a guy named John Bagley, and John could damn hoop,” Harp said. “But Mark was in that gym every day. When he got his chance, he just took over.”
Mark earned the starting spot by his second season and never looked back. He averaged 16.0 points on 50 percent shooting, including a blistering 48 percent from rainbow country. He also showcased his playmaking ability, averaging six dimes a game.
Harper remembered one game against the Pistons when Price played so well against Zeke that the latter became so heated with him.
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“I can recall a game, we played Detroit up in the Palace, he ate Isiah [Thomas’] a— up. Isiah was maaaaad!” Ron recalled. “He almost tried to fight him. I told him, ‘Don’t get mad ’cause he’s lightin’ your a— up!’ Mark can play.”
Zeke confirmed Mark’s greatness
In case anyone thought Harp was just hyping his teammate up, they don’t have to take his word for it. Instead, they can take Thomas’ word for it; he admitted to struggling against Price on numerous occasions, falling prey to the latter’s mastery of the fundamentals.
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He didn’t need to pull out some razzle-dazzle moves or cross his defender up. He was deliberate in his moves, which often culminated in a made basket, either by him or a teammate.
“He would come off screens, he would catch it and shoot it, but then he was fast, he was quick, and he could run all day,” Zeke shared in a separate interview.
Thomas was candid enough to share his conversation with Pistons head coach Chuck Daly during a game when Price had it stuck on automatic against him.
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“Mark Price was killing me in the first quarter… Chuck (Daly), listen to me, I know he’s killing me, the 20,000 people in the arena know he’s killing me, my teammates know he’s killing me,” Thomas divulged. “Can you tell me something that’s gonna help me right now to stop this dude from killing me? Because we all know he’s killing me.”
Yes, Mark looked like a choir boy with his blonde hair and blue eyes, but his game was anything but angelic. Ask Zeke. He knows all about it.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.