CHGO Chicago Bulls Podcast

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their roundup of the latest Chicago Bulls mock draft selections for the 2025 NBA Draft. Today’s focus is on the frontcourt: Khaman Maluach, Thomas Sorber and Derik Queen. Which big’s skillset fits best with the needs of the Bulls roster and their potential teammates? Which is most NBA-ready now, and which player has the highest potential ceiling? Plus, the guys react to another Celtics meltdown and a Thunder blowout in NBA Playoff action from Wednesday night.

On this episode, the CHGO Bulls crew talk about another incredible night of NBA Playoff basketball. Are they surprised the Pacers are up 2-0? Can the TWolves bounce back after a terrible night shooting? Plus, we dive into the Mock Drafts from publications across the league and take a look to see which player each one has mocked to the Bulls. We look at 3 specific players: Egor Denim, Noa Essengue and Collin Murray Boyles. Are they a good fit for the team? Why do the draft experts feel the Bulls should select these players? Are we for or against...

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with Lonzo Ball, Ayo Dosunmu and Jalen Smith. Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for each player. Where do Ayo and Lonzo fit into Billy Donovan’s plans next season? And where does Jalen stack up with Zach Collins and Nikola Vucevic? Plus, the guys review the wild endings to the NBA Playoff games on Monday night.

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season Patrick Williams, Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips. Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for each young player, and discuss their potential to become permanent fixtures in Arturas Karnisovas’ “nine to ten good players” plan. Plus, the guys review the NBA Playoffs action from the weekend and make conference semifinals predictions.

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with the midseason trade arrivals: Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and Zach Collins. Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for each player in their limited sample sizes, and discuss the potential roles for each player next season. Plus, the guys react to Gregg Popovich stepping down as the Spurs head coach and review the NBA Playoffs action from Thursday night.

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss the Milwaukee Bucks being eliminated from the NBA Playoffs and how it will impact Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the team. Will Giannis request a trade from the Bucks? And if he does, what are the chances he'll be looking at the Chicago Bulls as an ideal destination?

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with Matas Buzelis. The 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft had to fight to earn a role in Billy Donovan’s rotation his rookie season. And earn it he did, getting 31 starts and seeing a big jump in minutes over the back half of the year. Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for Buzelis’s season, discuss how high his ceiling is and what parts of his game need development. Plus, the guys react to Josh Giddey receiving some votes for Most Improved Player and...

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with Nikola Vucevic. Perhaps motivated by a potential in-season trade, Vucevic played lights out basketball from the jump. He shot a career-best 40.2% behind the arc, and had his highest points per game average since the 2020-21 season. Despite several trade rumors, he finished the year with the Bulls and overcame a mini-slump after the trade deadline. Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for Vooch’s season, and discuss what his future holds with one year left on his current contract. Plus, the guys review the NB...

The CHGO Bulls crew continue their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with Josh Giddey. In his first season with the Chicago Bulls, Giddey recovered from a slow start and uncertain role to thrive as the engine of the team’s offense after the All Star break. He also showed signs of promise amidst the usual examples of his vulnerable defense. Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for Giddey’s season, and discuss what his overall performance means for offseason contract negotiations. Plus, the guys review the NBA Playoffs action from Monday night.

The CHGO Bulls crew begin their Player Evaluations for the 2024-25 season with Coby White. Following a breakout fifth season that saw him finish 2nd in Most Improved Player voting, Coby made more improvements in his scoring and efficiency in year six. And wow, that month of March! Peck, Big Dave and Will give their grades for Coby’s season, and discuss his remaining potential for improvements and elevation to star-level player in the NBA. Plus, the guys review the NBA Playoffs action from over the weekend.

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss Lonzo Ball's recent NBA contract extension with the Chicago Bulls at the NBA trade deadline. Did the Arturas Karnisovas and the Bulls make a mistake in re-signing the injury-prone point guard?

On this episode, the CHGO Bulls Crew breakdown a big night of action in the NBA Playoffs and recap their time at the CHGO Bears Draft Party Night 1. Also, we do e into the Bulls Free Agency off season. Who is under contract with the team, what players are restricted and unrestricted free agents and who is picking up their player option. Plus, we go over some free agent targets the Bulls should be looking at. Is Jonathan Kuminga on their radar? Can they afford him? What would be his role with the team? All this and more on...

The CHGO Bulls crew answer mailbag questions from the CHGO Diehards Discord, including what the dismissal of Peter Patton says about the organization. Patton, who earned big credit for his work as the Chicago Bulls head of player development over the past couple seasons, did not have his contract option picked up for next year. Joe Cowley reported that it was partly because he voiced unwanted opinions to those in charge. Is this the sign of a toxic power structure and team? Other mailbag questions include the future of Tre Jones, and whether Bulls fans are perhaps too “friendly to...

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss the latest reports and rumors surrounding the Nikola Vucevic trade market for the Chicago Bulls this offseason. Joe Cowley reported that the team still plans to try to move their veteran center, who’s entering the final year of his contract. Despite lots of smoke nearing the trade deadline this season, the Bulls held onto Vucevic. Other than a brief late-season slump, the two-time All Star had one of the best seasons of his career. Could the Warriors still be interested? What about the Lakers or Spurs? Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb break do...

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss different Eastern Conference playoff teams, especially the upstart Detroit Pistons, and weigh which roster-building models the Chicago Bulls should emulate. The Pistons have a promising future, with Cade Cunningham earning his first All Star selection this season at age 23. Plus, other homegrown talents like Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson are blossoming. Can the Bulls build something similar with Coby White, Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis? What would be the ceiling of such a team? Or, should the Bulls look to land a stud free agent in 2026 to lead the younger core? Peck...

The CHGO Bulls crew react to Cooper Flagg officially declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, on the same day the Chicago Bulls lost a coin flip to be placed 12th in the NBA Draft Lottery. Given the team’s 39-43 season, and its potential for improvement, is there any “consolation prize” value to them being in the lottery at all, even with slim odds? Plus, Peck and Will Gottlieb discuss the Atlanta Hawks firing GM Landry Fields and the seemingly impenetrable job security of Arturas Karnisovas.

The Chicago Bulls have officially been eliminated from the NBA playoffs. As they head into the offseason, should VP Arturas Karnisovas and GM Marc Eversley consider trading for a pricey star like Zion Williamson or Domantas Sabonis?

The CHGO Bulls crew react to the exit interviews of Josh Giddey, Coby White, Nikola Vucevic and other Chicago Bulls following their season-ending loss in the Play-In Tournament. How confident is Giddey after his post-All Star break performance? Does White believe that a potential core of himself, Giddey and Matas Buzelis can go the distance? And does Vucevic still see himself fitting into the Bulls’ future plans? Peck and Will Gottlieb break down the players’ answers. Plus, the guys chat with Marc Stein and get his thoughts on the conclusion of the Bulls season, and the tasks they face this...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the end-of-season press conference from Chicago Bulls VP of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas. AK laid out the four goals he set for himself and the team in his opening statement, and proceeded to tell the media (and fans) how they accomplished each one. So…now what? Peck, Big Dave, Will Gottlieb and Will Perdue react to all of AK’s thoughts on his roster-building philosophy, trying to avoid mediocrity, the offseason plans for Josh Giddey’s contract and more!

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 109-90 loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Wednesday night. After beating the Heat 3-0 in the regular season, the Heat completely flipped the script. Peck, Big Dave and Will Perdue discuss the Heat dictating the pace of the game, and capitalizing off Bulls turnovers forced by their suffocating defense. Plus, another tough night for Coby White. Will Gottlieb joins from the United Center with his thoughts on the game and intel from the postgame locker room. The guys also talk about what this loss means...

The CHGO Bulls crew preview the “win or go home” Play-In Tournament matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. For the third straight season, these two teams will face off in a do-or-die Play-In game, with the Heat emerging victories twice thus far. But the new-look Bulls are playing well of late, with Josh Giddey and Coby White leading their fast-paced offense. Can the Bulls replicate the success they had against the Heat in the regular season? Or will Erik Spoelstra and the Heat’s stifling and shapeshifting defense give the Bulls trouble? Peck, Big Dave, Will Gottlieb and Wi...

The CHGO Bulls crew hand out awards to the Chicago Bulls squad. Everything from MVP, Best Newcomer to Most Disappointing Player and Favorite Moment Of The Year, we break it all down and award the good, bad and awesome that happened this season. Also, We give our selections for who will win the major NBA Awards. MVP, DPOY, MIP , COY and more.

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 122-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Bulls finished the regular season with a 39-43 record and the East's 9th seed, the same exact results as last season. Peck, Big Dave, Will Gottlieb and Will Perdue discuss Billy Donovan's decision to play his starters in the first half, rather than giving them a rest day. Plus, what's different and what's the same entering another Play-In Tournament appearance one year later? Big Dave awards the Empire Today Goon of the Night.

The Chicago Bulls are the odds-on favorite to land Nikola Jokic if he demands a trade from the Denver Nuggets. What can the Bulls realistically offer for Jokic? Bulls GM Arturas Karnisovas helped build the Nuggets basketball team around Jokic in Denver. How can the Bulls beat out all other NBA teams to land him?

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 119-89 win over the Washington Wizards on Friday night. With the win, the Bulls officially clinched the 9th seed in the East and homecourt in the 9 vs 10 Play-In Tournament showdown with the Miami Heat next week. Peck and Big Dave discuss the career-high night from Julian Phillips. Plus, Matas Buzelis continues to prove his limitless ceiling, while Patrick Williams continues to make us wonder how he stayed in the starting lineup for so long. Will Gottlieb joins from the United Center with his thoughts on the game and intel from...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 119-111 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Josh Giddey was magnificent through the first three quarters, and Coby White had a big fourth quarter after a slow start to lead the Bulls to the critical win. Peck and Big Dave discuss how the Bulls attacked the Heat's game plan, and dealt with some offensive struggles in the fourth. Plus, Matas Buzelis had a strong night defensively and made big buckets down the stretch. Will Gottlieb joins from the United Center with his thoughts on the game and intel...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 135-113 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. Resting Coby White, Nikola Vucevic and Josh Giddey before the big stakes game against Miami, the Bulls were overwhelmed in this one. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb discuss which lineups and players were most intriguing in a game that was essentially punted. Plus, Patrick Williams finally scored 20 points! And could Matas Buzelis running point become a thing?

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss whether Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has a strong enough case to be considered for the NBA’s Coach of the Year award. Obviously, the frontrunners are Kenny Atkinson and Mark Daigneault, whose teams are leading the East and West, respectively. JB Bickerstaff will likely also garner several votes for the immense turnaround for his playoff-bound Pistons. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb take a closer look at what Donovan has accomplished with the Bulls, given all the challenges and obstacles his team faced. Plus, the guys review a fun “What If” trade scenario had th...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 131-117 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon. Coby White exploded after a slow start, finishing with 37 points for his second straight 30-point game. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb discuss Coby turning into a "ON-OFF" button kind of player, in a good way. Plus, another stat-stuffer from Josh Giddey, and Patrick Williams was productive off the bench. Big Dave awards the Empire Today Goon of the Night.

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 118-113 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Coby White and Nikola Vucevic each scored 31, and the Bulls held off a late Blazers comeback to retake control of the 9th seed in the East. Peck, Big Dave and Will Perdue discuss Coby making big plays down the stretch, growing his image as a clutch player. Plus, another triple double for Josh Giddey, and another dud for Patrick Williams. Will Gottlieb joins from the United Center with his thoughts on the game and intel from the postgame locker room...

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss the pros and cons of the Chicago Bulls punching their ticket to a third consecutive Play-In Tournament appearance. Michael Pina, senior staff writer for The Ringer, wrote a great column weighing the good (playing faster, shooting more threes, the play of Coby White and Josh Giddey, the promising potential of Matas Buzelis) with the bad (misleading March wins, killing their draft lottery odds, toiling in mediocrity, upcoming contracts) of this Bulls season. How should Bulls fans approach the Play-In experience? What’s the best case scenario? Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb also react to...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 137-118 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. The win officially punched the Bulls' ticket to the NBA's Play-In Tournament for the third consecutive year. Continuity at its finest! Peck and Big Dave discuss a strong bounce-back game from Coby White after he struggled against the Thunder. Plus, the guys want to see more shot creating confidence from Matas Buzelis. Will Gottlieb joins from the United Center with his thoughts on the game and intel from the postgame locker room. Big Dave awards the Empire Today Goon of the...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 145-117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night. That's called a reality check. After an upswell of wins and momentum in March, the Bulls finished the month with a thud against Josh Giddey's former team and the current top seed in the NBA. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb discuss what Bulls fans can take away from this game, including any positives or lessons for what comes next. Plus, Matas Buzelis had some impressive blocks on Chet Holmgren. The guys also shout-out some of their fellow Bulls fans...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 120-119 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. Matas Buzelis scored 28 points and grabbed a career-high 9 rebounds, but he and Coby White couldn't quite muster another comeback. Peck and Big Dave, along with guests John Sabine and Kevin Anderson (formerly of Bulls Outsiders on NBC Sports Chicago) discuss the interesting lineup choices from Billy Donovan, including a Dalen Terry-led bench unit and sitting Josh Giddey down the stretch of the fourth quarter. Will Gottlieb joins from the United Center with his thoughts on the game and intel from the...

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 119-117 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. The Bulls were down five with ten seconds to go. Patrick Williams corner 3, Bulls steal the inbound, Coby White 3. Austin Reaves goes glass on the other end. Josh Giddey halfcourt heave at the buzzer. That sequence actually happened! Peck, Big Dave and Will Perdue discuss the wild finish. Will Gottlieb joins from the United Center with his thoughts on the game and intel from the postgame locker room. Big Dave award the Empire Today Goon of the Night.

The CHGO Bulls crew get into the numbers of Coby White and Josh Giddey before and after the All Star break. Is what we’ve seen post all star break enough to conclude they are the backcourt of the future? Plus, with Giddey’s contract due to be renewed, we look at what other RFAs are in position to receive this offseason. Also will Giddey’s contract have any bearing on what Coby White will get on his next deal?

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss a recent column from ESPN NBA reporters Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton on the league’s tanking problem. Efforts have been made - like flattening the lottery odds - to do away with tanking and incentivize competition. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked, as finding superstars at the top of the draft is still the model for NBA success. What other possible solutions exist, and where do the Chicago Bulls fit into that picture? Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb break it down. Plus, the guys look at the star-level play of Coby White and Josh...

The CHGO Bulls is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon via the Hooter's Hotwing Hotline! MacMahon discusses how his brand new book, The Wonder Boy: Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness (available now!) and his reaction to the NBA's most shocking trade. He also, of course, breaks down some recent Chicago Bulls moves and shares his opinion on the state of the team.

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls 129-119 win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Coby White extended his streak of scoring 20+ points to thirteen games, the last three of which he's scored at least 35. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb discuss the possible star ascension of Coby down the stretch this season. Plus, Josh Giddey continued his high-level production on the Bulls' surprising 4-2 road trip. What does this late season winning trend mean? And how about Dalen Terry! Big Dave awards the Empire Today Goon of the Night.

The CHGO Bulls crew break down the Chicago Bulls146-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Josh Giddey was two steals shy of the fifth quadruple double in NBA history, Coby White scored 36 points, and Matas Buzelis tacked on a career-high 31 in the blowout road win. Peck, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb discuss the magnitude of Giddey's performance. Plus, Coby's streak reached twelve straight games scoring 20+, and he's now averaging 20 points per game on the season. Is this one of his typical hot streaks, or something different? And how excited can Bulls fans be about Matas...