Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder kicks off at 5:30pm Pacific in Oklahoma City, and while the Portland Trail Blazers failed to make the playoffs this season, a number of folks with ties to Portland helped guide the Pacers to their tremendous season.

Kevin Pritchard, President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers, tops the list. Pritchard was hired by the Blazers prior to the 2004-2005 as Director of Player Personnel. When Head Coach Maurice Cheeks was fired, Pritchard was made interim head coach for the final 27 games of that season, compiling a 5-22 record. Before the 2006-2007 season Pritchard was made an assistant general manager. When GM Steve Patterson resigned in March of 2007, Pritchard was promoted to general manager. In spite

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