1. Mark Price
Topping the list (at least for the time being) is the player who led the team to seven playoff berths, including a berth in the 1992 Eastern Conference finals. Price was a virtual afterthought in the 1986 NBA Draft after the Cavaliers had selected Brad Daugherty and Ron Harper. Mark was selected in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks, who then traded him to Cleveland for a future draft pick.
Price was a 40 percent career three-point shooter and was an even deadlier option from the free throw line as he made the All-Star team on four separate occasions.
Playing in only 16 games in the 1990-91 season following a knee injury, Price had been on his way to a big year, averaging over 10 assists per game.
He bounced back to lead the team to the conference finals, but within a few years was dealt to the then-Washington Bullets for a first round pick the following year. The Cavaliers chose Vitaly Potapenko with the pick.
Given the importance of this position in the current game, the Cavs should consider themselves lucky to have one of the best point guards in the game. The true test of Irving’s greatness will be if he serves as integral part of any championship pedigree the team is able to establish in the years ahead.
