Bryson Graham embraces change and is eager to dig in on Bulls rebuild: ‘We’re going to get out the mud’

Graham couldn’t be surprised by a moment he worked this hard and planned this long to reach. But as a kid who grew up ...

CHICAGO — Bryson Graham isn’t afraid to admit that this is a dream come true. When the new top basketball executive for the Chicago Bulls received the job offer over the phone from President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, Graham broke down in tears. It wasn’t out of surprise.

Graham couldn’t be surprised by a moment he worked this hard and planned this long to reach. But as a kid who grew up idolizing Michael Jordan in the ’90s, Graham still felt this moment meant something more — to himself, to his family and to basketball as a whole. In his introductory news conference Wednesday at the Advocate Center, Graham joked that starting out as a top executive is akin to becoming a first-time parent.

But he also voiced confidence in his ability to provide a clear vision and stout leadership as the Bulls attempt to reinvent themselves after years of mediocrity. “We’re going to pull our sleeves up and we’re going to get to work and we’re going to get out the mud,” Graham said. Graham has yet to turn 40 but already has logged 16 years in NBA front offices.