Ronnie Price is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was born on June 21, 1983, in Friendswood, Texas, and attended Utah Valley University, where he played college basketball.
Price began his professional career in 2005 when he signed with the Sacramento Kings as an undrafted free agent. He played sparingly in his rookie season, appearing in only 20 games and averaging 1.5 points per game. However, he showed enough potential to earn a spot on the Kings' roster for the following season.
Over the next few years, Price bounced around the league, playing for several different teams, including the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic. He was primarily used as a backup point guard and defensive specialist, known for his tenacity and hustle on the court.
Despite his limited playing time, Price was a valuable contributor to his teams, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates for his work ethic and professionalism. He was also known for his leadership skills, serving as a mentor to younger players and helping to create a positive team culture.
In 2015, Price signed with the Phoenix Suns for a second stint with the team. He played in 62 games that season, averaging 5.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He also set a career-high in steals, with 1.2 per game.
After his time with the Suns, Price signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2016-17 season. He played in 62 games for the Thunder, averaging 3.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He also continued to be a strong defender, averaging 0.8 steals per game.
In 2017, Price signed with the Phoenix Suns for a third time, but he was waived before the start of the season. He then signed with the Golden State Warriors, but he was waived again after only one game.
Following his release from the Warriors, Price announced his retirement from professional basketball. He finished his career with averages of 3.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, along with 0.7 steals per game. He played in a total of 530 NBA games over 11 seasons.
Off the court, Price was known for his charitable work and community involvement. He was a regular participant in NBA Cares events and was recognized for his efforts to promote education and youth development.
In conclusion, Ronnie Price was a hardworking and dedicated professional basketball player who made a significant impact on the teams he played for. Despite his limited playing time, he was respected by his coaches and teammates for his leadership and positive attitude. He will be remembered as a valuable contributor to the NBA and a role model for young players.
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