What is Quinn Buckner's net worth and salary?
Quinn Buckner is an American former professional basketball player and coach with a net worth of $2 million. A 6'3″ point guard, Buckner was a standout at Thornridge High School and is the only person to be named Chicago area Player of the Year in both basketball and football. He played college basketball at Indiana University, winning an NCAA Championship in 1976. Buckner also represented the United States internationally, winning a Gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and a Bronze at the 1974 FIBA World Championship in Puerto Rico. Drafted #7 by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1976 NBA Draft, he played for Milwaukee until 1982, then for the Boston Celtics from 1982 to 1985, and concluded his career with the Indiana Pacers from 1985 to 1986. Buckner won an NBA Championship with the Celtics in 1984 and was a four-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. He was the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks from 1993 to 1994 and has worked as a broadcaster for ESPN, NBC, and CBS Sports. He currently serves as a color commentator for the Indiana Pacers, Vice President of Communications for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and Chair of the Board of Trustees for Indiana University.
High School and College
Quinn Buckner was born on August 20, 1954, in Phoenix, Illinois. He attended Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois, excelling in both basketball and football. Under the guidance of coach Ron Ferguson, Buckner led Thornridge to back-to-back Illinois state championships in 1971 and 1972. His exceptional performance in high school earned him a spot on the prestigious McDonald's All-American Team in 1972.
Buckner chose to attend Indiana University, playing under Hall of Fame coach Bob Knight. As a starting guard for the Hoosiers, Buckner was known for his relentless defense and playmaking abilities. In 1976, he played a pivotal role in Indiana's undefeated season, leading the team to an NCAA Championship. That same year, he was named a consensus first-team All-American.
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Olympic and NBA Career
In 1976, Buckner represented the United States in the Summer Olympics in Montreal, leading the team to a gold medal victory against Yugoslavia. This solidified his reputation as an elite player.
Buckner was selected 7th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 1976 NBA Draft. Over six seasons with the Bucks, he showcased his defensive prowess and offensive contributions. In 1982, he was traded to the Boston Celtics, winning an NBA Championship in 1984 alongside Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale. He played his final season with the Indiana Pacers before retiring in 1986.
Salary and Career Earnings
Quinn Buckner's known NBA salaries include $239,000 from the Celtics in the 1984-1985 season and $223,000 from the Pacers the following season, totaling $462,000, equivalent to $1.3 million today. Buckner does not earn a salary for serving on the Board of Trustees of Indiana University but receives a per diem and travel expenses for his work.
Coaching Career
After retiring as a player, Buckner transitioned to coaching, leading the Dallas Mavericks in 1990 for one season. Despite limited success as a coach, his knowledge and experience remain highly respected.
Broadcasting and Community Involvement
Following his coaching career, Buckner became a television sports analyst and commentator. He started with the Madison Square Garden Network, later joining NBC Sports as an analyst, including coverage of the 1996 NBA Finals. In 1997, Buckner joined the Indiana Pacers' broadcast team as a color analyst and has since provided valuable insights during games.
Beyond basketball and broadcasting, Buckner is an active community member. He has been involved with charitable organizations like the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Special Olympics. He has served on the board of directors for the National Basketball Retired Players Association and the Pacers Foundation, supporting Indiana youth-serving organizations.
