CLEVELAND — In a move that’s sparking a wave of excitement throughout the basketball community, especially in Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers have officially welcomed back franchise legend Mark Price as a Senior Coaching Advisor. The announcement was made early Friday morning, immediately sending ripples through social media and reigniting the passion of longtime Cavs fans.
Price, widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, enjoyed a stellar career with the Cavaliers from 1986 to 1995. Known for his precision shooting, exceptional court vision, and high basketball IQ, Price was a four-time NBA All-Star and remains one of the most respected figures in franchise history. Now, nearly 30 years after his final game in a Cavs uniform, he’s returning in a role that blends mentorship, strategy, and development.
It feels like coming home, Price said in a press release. The Cavaliers organization has always held a special place in my heart. I’m honored and thrilled to contribute to the next chapter of this team’s success. Cleveland fans are among the best in the world, and I can’t wait to be back on the sidelines, working with this exciting group of players.
According to team president Koby Altman, Price will work closely with the coaching staff and player development teams. His focus will center on refining offensive schemes, especially in the areas of shooting mechanics, pick-and-roll execution, and guard play areas in which he excelled during his career.
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mark back, Altman said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, championship-level experience, and an unparalleled understanding of the game. Our young core can learn a lot from him, not just in terms of skills but also professionalism and leadership.
Price’s return comes at a pivotal time for the Cavaliers, who are building around a talented young nucleus led by Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell. Garland, in particular, is expected to benefit from Price’s mentorship. A dynamic playmaker with strong shooting instincts, Garland has drawn comparisons to Price for his ability to read defenses and control the pace of the game.
Price has previously served as an NBA assistant coach and head coach at the collegiate level, including a stint as the head coach at UNC Charlotte. His reputation as a player development guruespecially for guards is well documented, having worked with the likes of Stephen Curry and Jeremy Lin during his coaching stops.
Fans are already celebrating the move, with hashtags like #MarkPriceReturns and #CavsLegend trending on Twitter. Many see it as not just a basketball decision, but a symbolic reconnection with the team’s rich history.
Mark Price was the heart and soul of those classic Cavs teams, said longtime season ticket holder Jerome White. To have him back in the mix means a lot. It shows the organization values its legacy while building toward the future.
The Cavaliers will formally introduce Price at a press conference on Monday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where he is expected to address his vision for the role and how he plans to support Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the rest of the staff.
Whether it’s helping a young shooter find his rhythm or advising on late-game offensive sets, Price’s return injects a dose of championship mindset and old-school wisdom into a rising franchise. And for a city that still reveres him, the move is more than strategic it’s deeply emotional.
As the Cavaliers gear up for a critical offseason, the message is clear: the past and future are meeting in Cleveland, and Mark Price is the bridge.
