Chicago’s new Executive VP Bryson Graham is set to shape the Bulls front office, with Pelicans connections possibly guiding key hires.
The Chicago Bulls are wasting no time in reshaping their leadership structure, and the Bryson Graham hire could set the tone for what comes next inside the front office.
On Monday, Misryoum reports that the Bulls named Bryson Graham as Executive VP of Basketball Operations.. The move follows sweeping changes that have already touched the organization. including the firings of Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley and the departure of head coach Billy Donovan.. With Graham now tasked with building the basketball side of the franchise. attention quickly turns to how Chicago fills out the remaining roles.
One key storyline emerging around this process is Graham’s network. with Misryoum pointing to the likelihood that he will lean on trusted colleagues.. In particular. there is talk that Graham may consult people he previously worked alongside during his NBA tenure. including former contacts from the New Orleans Pelicans.
This matters because front-office continuity often speeds up decision-making, from player evaluation to development plans, especially when a club is trying to stabilize after major turnover.
Chicago’s connection thread includes Brian Hagen. described in Misryoum’s reporting as someone Graham is tied to from their time in New Orleans.. Hagen’s path has intersected with Chicago before, and his experience spans roles focused on player personnel and player-related strategy.. Another familiar link is JJ Polk. who has been part of the Bulls’ assistant general manager setup since 2020. suggesting Graham’s first moves may include working within the existing internal framework.
Misryoum also notes that Graham knows Pat Connelly’s brother, Tim, from earlier Pelicans work. Tim’s current role is described as President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, underscoring how Graham’s professional relationships extend across multiple front-office teams.
While the Bulls are clearly focused on the organizational overhaul. the bigger question is what Graham’s broader basketball background brings to the franchise.. Misryoum reports that his long stretch with the Pelicans included responsibilities spanning development. scouting. and operations before he reached a general-manager level in 2024.. His recent stop was with the Atlanta Hawks. where he served in a senior basketball operations capacity. giving him fresh perspective as he walks into a new assignment in Chicago.
At the heart of all this is roster-building momentum.. Hiring decisions can influence everything from how quickly Chicago identifies talent to how consistently it develops players. and Misryoum will be watching closely to see whether Graham’s trusted connections translate into a sharper direction on the court.