The Skinny:

Image Courtesy of Valleyofthesuns.com

Full Name: Ronald D’Wayne Price

Date/Place of Birth: 6/21/1983-Friendswood, TX
Height/Weight-6’ 2”, 190 lbs

Primary Position: PG

Projected Role: Benchwarmer/Third PG

College: Utah Valley State
NBA Draft: Undrafted.

Honors: Division 1 Independent Player of the Year (2005)

Career Averages-3.6 PPG, .8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.3 TOPG, .9 SPG.  11-12 PER 8.46

Ronnie’s Strengths:

With a PER that low it might be hard to believe but Price actually had a better season this past year than he had in 10-11, when he ranked nearly dead last in the league in PER.  Price’s primary value is on defense, he can pressure the ball, guard bigger players and is fairly athletic.  He was also brought on because he’s considered a positive influence and a mentor to Lillard (which is twisted in a way because the worst case scenario for Lillard is probably to be a player like Price).  Bottom line, he’s not very good but he’s not going to play very much either, at least we hope not.

Ronnie’s Weaknesses:

John Hollinger refers to Price as, “an athlete in search of a game” and that seems to be about the right way to describe him.  Price is an athletic player who has never really been able to refine his raw physical gifts into something useful.  He can’t pass, he can’t rebound, he fouls too much and turns the ball over too often.  On offense, Price is particularly bad, ranking near the bottom league wide in shooting percentage (put it this way, his offensive numbers make Felton look good).  If he’s going to give you anything, it will be on defense but if this team is wise his primary role will be off, not on, the court.

Blazer Connections:

Considered a mentor to Damian Lillard.

Did You Know?:

Price is the first player from Utah Valley State to reach the NBA.

Price was only 5-7, 150 lbs. coming out of high school, explaining why he was lightly recruited.

Price is a member of the Utah Valley State hall of fame.