Chasing Championship Glory

The last time the Indiana Pacers reached the NBA Finals in 2000, Chad Buchanan ’95 was Simpson’s assistant basketball coach. Little did he know then that he would be a chief architect in the Pacers glorious return to the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025.

“Hopefully we have four more wins left in us,” said Buchanan, who has served as general manager of the Pacers since 2017.

Buchanan’s impressive rise to sports executive stardom is the result of a relentless work ethic. He paid his dues as the Portland Trailblazers’ director of scouting for 10 years and as assistant general manager for the Charlotte Hornets for two seasons before landing his current dream job.

“I hope my story serves as an example of what anyone can dream and accomplish if you have been surrounded by so many great people in your life,” said Buchanan, a native of West Des Moines. “Simpson was a big part of my life and I have so many fond memories of my time there.  Iowa will always mean home to me, and Simpson will always be family to me.”

Game 1 of the best-of-seven NBA Finals is set for Thursday night in Oklahoma City. Go Pacers!