April 06--Add another dynasty-era principal to the Bulls' payroll.
The Bulls announced Wednesday in a statement that Horace Grant has been hired as a special adviser to Michael Reinsdorf, the team's president and chief operating officer. Grant, who has been active with the NBA in an ambassador role, will begin his position in October 2016.
Grant joins former players Toni Kukoc and Scottie Pippen in similar roles.
Such a scenario would've been unthinkable in 1994. That's when Grant left the Bulls to sign a free-agent contract with the Orlando Magic. Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf claimed that he and Grant had a handshake agreement on a new deal before Grant bolted.
The image of Grant celebrating the Magic's playoff victory over the Bulls in the 1995 playoffs still resonates.
Coincidentally, in an interview on Tuesday, Jerry Reinsdorf said he and Grant made peace last year.
"I finally forgave him. Time heals all wounds," Jerry Reinsdorf said. "He and I shook hands on a contract and then he denied it. I was very upset with him. I saw Horace last year at a fundraiser and said, 'I'm not mad at you anymore.' He said, 'My bad.'"
In a statement, Michael Reinsdorf praised Grant.
"Horace is an incredible ambassador for the game of basketball. His ability to engage an audience, whether he is in a boardroom or a community center, will be invaluable to me and everyone at the Bulls as we continuously look for ways to grow our relationships with fans, corporate partners, and civic groups," he said. "Every time we are together, he always has fantastic stories about his days with the Bulls, but he is also eager to share about his life today with his family and his travels with the NBA. Horace will bring a terrific energy to his role at the Bulls."
Grant said: "The Chicago Bulls have always had a special place in my heart and it means so much to be part of the family again. The team has given me memories that will last a lifetime and I am looking forward to creating even more in this new role. Serving as an NBA Goodwill Ambassador for the last six years has provided me with the opportunity to serve as a liaison between the league, fans and players, and I am excited to bring that experience and knowledge to the Bulls."
