The tears came as soon as Bryson Graham received the call from the Chicago Bulls. But once they stopped, a new chapter began—one that promises to reshape a storied franchise in need of a serious turnaround.
On Monday, the Bulls officially named Graham as their new executive vice president of basketball operations, handing him the monumental task of reviving a team that has struggled to find its footing in recent years. While Graham grew up a Spurs fan in San Antonio, he admits he also cheered for the Bulls during their golden era in the 1990s. He knows exactly what this team means to Chicago, to the NBA, and to the legacy of legends like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
"When I think about the greatness in this building, the banners hanging in the rafters, the championships won here—it's incredible," Graham said during his introductory press conference on Wednesday. "It shaped me more than I realized. I was always chasing what this organization represented. Watching M.J., I wanted to be him like everyone else. But it went deeper. It influenced my work ethic, my determination, my grit. That’s what I want to bring back."
Graham joins the Bulls after serving as Atlanta's senior vice president of basketball operations this past season. Before that, he spent 15 years climbing the ranks in New Orleans' front office—starting as an intern and eventually becoming general manager. Now, he faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet.
The Bulls parted ways with former executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley in early April after six seasons that yielded just one playoff appearance. Chicago finished 31-51 this season, landing 12th in the Eastern Conference and missing the postseason for the fourth consecutive year. The rebuild is real, and Graham knows it.
One of his most pressing early decisions will be hiring a new head coach. Naismith Hall of Famer Billy Donovan stepped down after six seasons, choosing to avoid the uncertainty that often comes with a new front office—even though owner Jerry Reinsdorf had hoped he would stay. Graham says he hasn't yet compiled a list of candidates, but the search will be critical as he works to restore the Bulls to relevance.
For a franchise that once defined excellence, the road ahead is steep. But if Graham's emotion and determination are any indication, he's ready to lace up and get to work.