TITLE: Bulls Unveil Bryson Graham as Basketball Operations Chief, Commit to Full Rebuild
SLUG: bulls-introduce-bryson-graham-rebuild-coaching-search
CONTENT:
CHICAGO — The Bulls formally presented Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations on Wednesday, with team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf publicly accepting responsibility for Chicago’s recent struggles and apologizing to fans.
Reinsdorf Accepts Blame
Speaking at the news conference, Reinsdorf acknowledged that the franchise has “let the city down” and emphasized that the failure to produce results ultimately “flows up” to him. He called Graham’s hiring an “important step” toward correcting course.
Rapid Decision on Graham
Reinsdorf said he knew within minutes of a dinner meeting that Graham was the right choice to run basketball operations, in part because the longtime New Orleans Pelicans executive resisted quick-fix approaches. Graham likened his tenacity to the championship Bulls teams of the 1990s.
Rebuild Officially Underway
Graham wasted no time labeling the organization’s direction. “We’re in a rebuilding phase,” he said, adding that the Bulls must draft successfully, add talent and establish a clear identity before returning to contention. He dismissed the notion that a few minor moves could make the roster competitive.
Wide-Ranging Coaching Search
The new executive plans to “cast a wide net” for the next head coach, indicating that lesser-known candidates will receive consideration. He also called for a collaborative front office, saying everyone in the organization should feel comfortable contributing to major decisions.
Draft Track Record Highlighted
Although Graham has never been the top decision-maker for an NBA team, he oversaw the Pelicans’ draft room, helping select players such as Herbert Jones, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Trey Murphy III and Naji Marshall late in the first round or beyond. Former Pelicans executive David Griffin noted that several metrics rated Graham’s six-year draft record as the league’s best relative to expected value.
Luxury Tax Stance
Reinsdorf reiterated that the Bulls will operate like a large-market club and pay the luxury tax once the roster is capable of competing for championships. He stressed, however, that the organization has no intention of entering the tax for a team outside the playoff picture.
The introduction signaled a fresh start in Chicago, with Graham charged with reshaping the roster, leading a broad coaching search and positioning the Bulls for long-term success.
Source: Hoops Rumors
