Bryson Graham Hired as Bulls EVP: Can He Revive Chicago NBA?
Michael Reinsdorf announced the hiring of Bryson Graham as the Chicago Bulls’ executive vice‑president of basketball operations after a brief eight‑minute introductory press conference on Wednesday.
Reinsdorf described the moment he first met Graham at Erie Café, a classic Chicago steakhouse, as an instant “wow” impression that convinced him Graham was the right choice for the role.
Graham, 39, is known throughout the league for his unique blend of humility and relentless work ethic, traits that have earned him admiration from senior executives such as Monty Williams, David Griffin and Mark Turgeon.
Williams, who first met Graham when the former New Orleans Hornets coach was an intern tasked with cleaning toilets and unpacking boxes, said he “wanted him around” despite Graham having no video experience at the time.
Griffin, now the president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans, recalled that Graham’s name repeatedly surfaced during his information‑gathering process when he assumed control of the Pelicans staff.
Griffin was “so awed” by Graham that he promoted him and kept him close to the top of the organization, eventually elevating him to general manager in New Orleans.
Turgeon, who took over Texas A&M’s program, noted that Graham’s maturity stood out after he suffered two ACL tears in college, describing conversations with Graham as “different” from those with other players.
Graham’s climb from a video‑room intern to senior executive positions in New Orleans and Atlanta has been marked by an absence of enemies, a rarity in the often‑cutthroat NBA front‑office environment.
Both Williams and Griffin emphasized Graham’s ability to speak truth without alienating colleagues, a skill that allows him to deliver hard feedback in a constructive manner.
When asked about the Bulls’ current state, Graham did not sugarcoat the situation, stating plainly that the team is in a rebuilding phase and its roster is extremely young.
He added that there are “no sacred cows” on the roster, indicating that every player could be considered expendable in the pursuit of a more competitive lineup.
The Bulls currently hold the ninth‑best odds in the upcoming draft lottery and also possess the No. 15 pick acquired in a prior trade, providing Graham with valuable assets for a rebuild.
In contrast, Graham’s predecessor Artūras Karnišovas began his six‑year tenure by drafting Patrick Williams fourth overall in 2020, a move that set a high bar for future draft success.
Graham’s résumé includes serving as GM in New Orleans and senior vice president of basketball operations for the Atlanta Hawks, where he helped orchestrate a trade that positioned Atlanta for a potential top‑pick.
His specific expertise lies in player evaluation, a skill honed from his early days in the Spurs’ video room under Dell Demps and later refined during his time with the Pelicans’ modern analytics department.
Griffin highlighted that over a six‑year period Graham achieved the best draft record in the NBA by several metrics, delivering returns that exceeded expected values.
During his tenure with the Pelicans, Graham ran the draft room even when Trajan Langdon held the GM title, showcasing his influence on talent acquisition decisions.
The Bulls’ recent press release listed players such as Nickeil Alexander‑Walker, Dyson Daniels, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Naji Marshall and Jose Alvarado as part of the current roster, with only Daniels being a lottery pick.
Graham’s experience evaluating talent at both the college and professional levels positions him to potentially transform the Bulls’ draft strategy and maximize the value of their lottery odds.
Below is a summary of the Bulls’ draft assets and recent picks that Graham will inherit:
| Pick | Round | Player Acquired |
|---|---|---|
| No. 15 | First | Undisclosed |
| 2023‑2024 | First | Nickeil Alexander‑Walker |
| 2023‑2024 | First | Dyson Daniels |
Graham’s hiring has already generated excitement among former Bulls executives, with former Bulls executive and current Minnesota Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd previously being the public favorite for the role.
Williams likened Graham’s appointment to the feeling of a son being drafted, stating he had never been as happy for anyone getting an NBA job.
Griffin noted that Graham possesses a “special gift” of building relationships without creating adversaries, a quality that has facilitated his rapid ascent through the league’s hierarchy.
Despite his extensive experience, Graham has never formally run an organization, making his first major test the task of assembling a front‑office staff and hiring a head coach for Chicago.
Reinsdorf clarified that Graham was not hired to take marching orders from the top but to bring a fresh perspective that can restore relevance to a franchise still yearning for the glory of the Michael Jordan era.
Chicago’s fan base, accustomed to sold‑out games and the legacy of the “House that Michael Built,” will expect tangible progress, a pressure that Graham appears ready to confront.
Reinsdorf warned that the Bulls must avoid luxury‑tax penalties without being playoff contenders, emphasizing that fiscal responsibility must accompany competitive ambition.
Graham, a lifelong Michael Jordan fan who grew up in late‑1990s San Antonio, described the Bulls’ arena as a place of “greatness” that has profoundly impacted his life.
He expressed a personal commitment to “pull our sleeves up, get to work and get out the mud,” underscoring his willingness to engage in the hard work required for a rebuild.
Graham’s background includes a brief playing stint at Texas A&M, where he started only one game after teammates missed a team meeting, a setback that redirected his career toward coaching and scouting.
Turgeon facilitated Graham’s early exposure to NBA operations by arranging visits to Spurs executive Dell Demps and his son Tre, a connection that later led to Graham’s hiring by the Pelicans in 2010.
Throughout his career, Graham has demonstrated a willingness to confront dissent, a trait noted by both Williams and Griffin as essential for navigating the challenges of a rebuilding franchise.
His track record of drafting and developing talent, combined with a keen “gut factor” for player evaluation, suggests he could identify future All‑Stars even in later rounds.
Graham’s former colleagues repeatedly referenced his “aura,” a term used to describe the magnetic presence that draws teammates and staff toward him.
As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming lottery, the organization’s success will hinge on Graham’s ability to translate his scouting acumen into high‑impact draft selections.
The Bulls’ front office now faces the task of constructing a modern analytics department, a component that proved valuable during Graham’s tenure with the Pelicans.
Reinsdorf granted Graham full autonomy over the Bulls’ basketball operations, signaling trust in his judgment to shape the franchise’s future direction.
While the Bulls have historically spent “bad money” on players, Graham’s emphasis on building infrastructure and making data‑driven decisions may alter that pattern.
Graham’s appointment marks a significant cultural shift for Chicago, moving from a period of stagnation toward a more proactive, talent‑focused approach.
Only time will reveal whether Graham can deliver the results that will restore the Bulls to relevance and, ultimately, contend for championships.
