Bulls Hire Horace Grant As Special Advisor To Team President Michael Reinsdorf

(CBS) Another former Bulls player has joined the organization in an official capacity.

The Bulls have hired Horace Grant as a special advisor to president/chief operating officer Michael Reinsdorf, they announced Wednesday. A 17-year NBA veteran, Grant played for Chicago from 1987-'94, playing a key role on the Bulls' first championship three-peat. He was drafted by the Bulls at No. 10 overall in the 1987 draft.

Grant joins former Bulls Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoc as special advisors to Michael Reinsdorf, son of chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Michael Reinsdorf handles all the Bulls' business operations and also has a voice in basketball operations.

Grant has previously as a goodwill ambassador for the NBA.

"Horace is an incredible ambassador for the game of basketball," Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement. "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. 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 expressed an appreciation to rejoin the organization, which came after he had a strained relationship with Jerry Reinsdorf for years. That stemmed from Grant, in Reinsdorf's mind, backing out of a handshake contract agreement back in 1994, though Grant didn't view the situation the same. The two have since made amends.

"The Chicago Bulls have always had a special place in my heart and it means so much to be part of the family again," Grant said in a statement. "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."

Grant ranks second in Bulls history in offensive rebounds, fourth in field-goal percentage and seventh in total rebounds. He will start his new role in October.