Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Spencer Davies is going to turn back the clock to milestone moments and important dates in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ past with “This Day In Cavs History.” Whether they’ve been good, bad or sad, these events were significant in the franchise’s 53-year existence.
The late-1980s to mid-1990s versions of the Cavs brought some of the most fun times in franchise history. There were so many great basketball players that came through Cleveland over the years, but one sticks out as the franchise’s true engine: Mark Price.
On this night in 1999, the team honored Price at halftime in the most prestigious way possible by retiring his No. 25 jersey and sending it to the rafters at Gund Arena. Cavs legendary play-by-play legend Joe Tait emceed the event after so many honorable seasons of calling Price’s games.
"There will never be another Cleveland Cavalier to wear No. 25," Tait said enthusiastically.
Guest speakers included former Georgia Tech men’s head coach Bobby Cremins and Cleveland teammates Danny Ferry and Craig Ehlo. Former general manager Wayne Embry also approached the podium to give a speech.
Price’s All-Star duo running mate Brad Daugherty couldn’t make it in person, so he delivered a heartfelt message on the big screen. Ex-Cavs head coach (and player) Lenny Wilkens did the same.
Here is the full ceremony from that night:
"I always wanted to give my all on the court for you," Price said that evening. "I think that's why my time here in Cleveland was so special, because you all work hard. I loved playing here."
Price became the sixth player to have his number retired for the organization. Daugherty, Larry Nance, Austin Carr, Bingo Smith and Nate Thurmond were his predecessors.
Until LeBron James came around, Price held the majority of all-time records in Cavs history. Going down the list:
- Three-pointers made and attempted (802/1,960)
- Assists (4,206)
- Steals (734)
And these are still records that have stood the test of time, with Price leading the franchise in:
- Free-throw percentage (90.6)
- Most free throws made without a miss (18)
- Most assists in a single quarter (10 twice)
- Most assists in a playoff game (18)
Cleveland hosted the Milwaukee Bucks that night and won its fourth game in six contests 117-112 to start the season strong under first-year head coach Randy Wittman and general manager Jim Paxson.
Unfortunately, the Cavs went 32-50 that campaign and the team would continue to struggle until the LeBron era.
More must-reads: