From Pelicans intern to the man in charge in Chicago, Bryson Graham’s reputation for elite talent scouting makes him the perfect fit for the loaded 2026 draft. Is this the move that finally returns the Bulls to playoff glory? Yankee Scores has the full breakdown of the hire.

The Chicago Bulls announced on Monday that they have appointed the Atlanta Hawks’ senior vice president, Bryson Graham, as their new executive vice president of basketball operations and hence the chief decision-maker.

Career Path

Graham is 39 and had worked for 15 years for the Pelicans in New Orleans from 2010-15 when he was an intern and later made general manager in the 2024-25 season. He got the executive job from Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh after serving him from New Orleans last summer.

Graham has an excellent reputation in the league regarding his talent identification abilities, having drafted players such as Trey Murphy III (17th pick), Herbert Jones (35th pick), Dyson Daniels (8th pick), and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17th pick). The last two won consecutive seasons Most Improved Players honors.

Draft Success

Graham was also instrumental in negotiating draft picks by the Hawks and the Pelicans last year in the form of Atlanta getting New Orleans’ 2026 first-round pick, which is one of the top assets in the coming draft.

Chicago appreciated Graham’s ability in player evaluation because of the 2026 draft, where there is expected to be a great class, with multiple first-round picks available to choose.

“He has worked his way up through basketball operations from the ground level, and that experience has given him a deep understanding of how to build and sustain a successful organization,” Bulls CEO Michael Resindorf said in the team’s statement Monday. ”

Graham is an effective communicator, a disciplined and thoughtful decision-maker, and someone who truly connects with players and people. He understands today’s league, today’s players, and what it takes to develop talent and build a winning culture.”

Yankee Scores had reported that Graham alongside Timberwolves’ GM Matt Lloyd, Pistons’ senior vice president Dennis Lindsey, Cavaliers’ GM Mike Gansey, and Spurs’ assistant GM Dave Telep were the frontrunners for the role.

Full Autonomy to Rebuild

Team sources revealed that Graham was outstanding throughout the interview process. Even at 39 years old, he’s had so many different roles throughout his career, which could help connect a front office many in the organization felt had become disjointed under the previous regime. Chicago is also expected to give Graham autonomy in how he wants to build the rest of the front office.

Chicago finished the season 31-51 and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.