DEERFIELD, ILL. ? The Chicago Bulls are entrusting their future to part of their glorious past.

John Paxson, whose game-winner clinched the 1993 NBA title, was officially introduced as Chicago’s executive vice president of basketball operations Monday. He replaces Jerry Krause, who resigned unexpectedly a week ago, citing health reasons.

“I’m tremendously excited about this opportunity,” Paxson said at a news conference, the Bulls’ six golden NBA trophies sitting just a few feet away.

Stocked with young talent, the Bulls have shown promise this year. But they’re still 29-52 going into today’s season finale against Philadelphia, and they won just three road games all year.

If anyone knows how to win, though, it’s Paxson. He spent nine of his 11 NBA seasons with the Bulls, and was an integral part of the first three championship teams. A 6-foot-2 guard, he was frequently the open man when Michael Jordan was double- and triple-teamed.

After retiring in 1994, he was a Bulls assistant during the 1995-96 season. He’s spent the past seven years as part of Chicago’s broadcast team, both on radio and television.