The Bykov officially announced series of additions and promotions in their office on Thursday as they build out their staff under Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham during the first year of operation.
Among the changes announced by Bykov was Brian Hagenpromotion to the role of senior vice president of player personnel. Hagen, who has been with the franchise since 2012, has held several basketball operations positions since then, including – most recently – director of player personnel.
Bulls were also hired Dion Calhoun as an assistant physical education coach, Alex Kaufman as Senior Basketball Manager (and also General Manager of the Windy City Bulls), Jarrett Sutton as a scout and scouting coordinator while promoting Noah’s fax to coordinator of basketball operations and promotions Justin Irwin assistant strength and conditioning coach. Both Kaufman and Sutton worked with Graham in New Orleans.
Here’s more from all over Central:
- What is the biggest concern in Cavaliers going into the 2026/27 season? In the form of Chris Fedor of Cleveland.comit’s the club’s depth that took a hit this offseason when Dean Wade, Keon Ellisand Larry Nance Jr some time left as free will Dennis Schroeder and Max Strus traded. For now Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson can probably be trusted to play a significant role as backups, it remains to be seen how much Cleveland can expect from the likes of Tyrese Proctor, Thomas Bryant, Mario Hezonhaand Nae’Kwan TomlinFedor writes.
- However, the head coach Kenny Atkinson no sound of concern Cavaliers‘ depth, suggesting on Friday that he thinks there are 13 players on the roster who could potentially earn rotation minutes (Link to Twitter through Fedor). Interestingly, Atkinson also suggested that the starting five is “not set”, although it would be surprising if anyone but Peyton Watson ends in three side by side James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobleyand Jarrett Allen.
- Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan declined to comment Thursday on potential new contracts for many of the team’s extension-eligible players, including Pascal Siakam, Ben Sheppardor Jarras Walkertrans Zion Brown of The Indianapolis Star. Still, Buchanan talked about what Indiana expects from Walker, a former lottery pick, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. “His role will be a little different this year than last year.” said the GM. “And the more simplified he can keep his game, the more he can focus on helping us do the little things. … We don’t necessarily need him to make a lot of plays like maybe last year, and I think part of his maturity and growth as a player is understanding what the team needs from him. We’ve got to see him do that, and he’s got to do it night after night.”
