By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson sit down with former Bull and 3-time NBA champion Bill Wennington to discuss his 24th season as the Bulls’ radio analyst and his new role as part of CHSN’s rotating TV analyst team. Plus, Bill reflects on the passing of Stacey King, his playing career and the path that led him to broadcasting, while looking ahead to the upcoming season, new head coach Tiago Splitter, the team’s new regime, and its young core.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson sit down with former Bull and new assistant coach Taj Gibson to discuss his decision to retire and begin his coaching career in Chicago. Gibson reflects on his playing days, favorite Bulls memories, Derrick Rose, Stacey King's legacy, and his Brooklyn roots, while also sharing his expectations for Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain and the next generation of Bulls players.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson sit down with CHSN analyst and former Bull Kendall Gill to break down fourth overall pick Caleb Wilson, with Gill sharing his perspective as the No. 5 pick in the 1990 NBA Draft. They also discuss Wilson and Matas Buzelis’ fit in the Bulls’ athletic frontcourt and where Buzelis can take the next step heading into his third NBA season.

Cam and K.C. sit down with Chicago native and former Bull Eddy Curry at Bulls Fest to reflect on his high school career, being drafted by his hometown team, playing alongside legends like Charles Oakley and Tyson Chandler, and his favorite memories in Chicago. Curry also shares stories about facing Shaq, his relationship with Tyson Chandler, his experiences with Scott Skiles and Jerry Krause, his message to the next generation, and his work with the NBA Players Association.

K.C. Johnson rides solo in this edition of By The Horns and is joined by The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi for a 10,000-foot look at the Bulls’ offseason. They discuss Bryson Graham’s early impact, the signing of All-Star veteran Norman Powell, and new head coach Tiago Splitter before breaking down first-round pick Caleb Wilson’s Summer League standout play and early impressions of No. 15 pick Dailyn Swain.

Cam and KC break down the Bulls’ 2026–27 schedule, including a wild start with six of the first eight games on the road as the new-look roster and coaching staff face an early test. They each pick their top three standout games, with Cam sneaking in a fourth, and discuss key storylines, including the trade deadline, Tiago Splitter facing his former team, and more.

Howard Beck of The Ringer joins the Bulls Podcast to break down Chicago’s offseason, Caleb Wilson’s outlook as the No. 4 pick, and where the Bulls stack up in the Eastern Conference. He also shares his thoughts on the NBA’s blockbuster offseason, the Wizards’ new-look roster, Kawhi Leonard’s uncertain future, and KC and Cam wrap up the episode by discussing the Bulls’ reported interest in Bennedict Mathurin.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the Bulls' Summer League action, led by the standout play of No. 4 overall pick Caleb Wilson. They also examine No. 15 overall pick Dailyn Swain's early development, share their impressions of second-year forward Noa Essengue, and K.C. gives his early read on new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter.

Jalen Brunson joins Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson to reflect on his journey from being named Illinois Mr. Basketball at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, to growing up around the NBA and the Chicago Bulls during his father Rick Brunson's playing and coaching career. He looks back on his championship run at Villanova Wildcats men's basketball, being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, and eventually helping lead the New York Knicks to an NBA championship. Brunson also shares stories about playing alongside Derrick Rose, his early years in Dallas, the passion of Knicks fans, his foundation...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the start of NBA free agency, including the Bulls' additions of Norman Powell and Nic Claxton, Zach Collins' return, and how each player fits into Chicago's roster heading into next season. They also discuss what the Bulls could do with their final roster spot and react to former Bulls Nikola Vučević and Javon Carter signing with the Orlando Magic.

The newest members of the Chicago Bulls, Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, join Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson on the By The Horns podcast. The two rookies discuss family, college, the culture they hope to build with the Bulls, and life off the court and wrap things up with a fun round of rapid-fire questions.

In this week’s episode of By the Horns, K.C. Johnson and Cam Smith break down the Chicago Bulls’ first night of the NBA Draft. The duo discusses the selections of Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain, why both fit the defensive-minded culture Bryson Graham is building, and how each prospect could impact the Bulls' future. Plus, they dive into Wilson’s confidence and Swain’s versatile skill set.

Cam Smith and K.C. sit down with the 25th head coach in Chicago Bulls history, Tiago Splitter to discuss his remarkable journey from leaving Brazil for Spain as a teenager to becoming an NBA champion and head coach. Splitter reflects on his playing career, including the 2014 NBA Finals, and his transition into coaching, while sharing what he learned from mentors like Gregg Popovich and his time leading Portland to a playoff berth. He also opens up about his vision for the Bulls, building relationships with players and growing up a Bulls fan.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson sit down with ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo for a deep dive into the 2026 NBA Draft. They discuss whether AJ Dybantsa is a lock for the No. 1 pick, break down the top prospects and potential sleepers, debate what the Bulls should do with the No. 4 and No. 15 selections, and examine how players like Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer could fit at the next level. Woo also shares insight into Chicago's options in the 2nd round and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what the college basketball season is like for one of the sport's...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the hire of new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter. They talk about his journey from NBA champion to NBA head coach after leading the Trail Blazers to a playoff berth last season. They discuss his coaching style, what this means for the Bulls both on and off the court, and much more!

K.C. Johnson and Cam Smith open the show by honoring Stacey King, reflecting on the recent CHSN special and the statement released by Stacey’s family. The two share what Stacey meant to them personally, with Cam recalling memorable stories from working alongside a broadcaster he grew up rooting for.

Later, former Bulls forward and Stacey’s longtime teammate Scott Williams joins the podcast to celebrate Stacey’s life and legacy. Scott shares stories from their days on the Bulls, including intense bench-vs.-starter battles, the competitive culture created by players like Michael Jordan and company, memori...

K.C. Johnson gives Cam Smith his due after Cam correctly predicted the NBA Finals matchup, setting the stage for a breakdown of how the two teams stack up against each other. The guys compare strengths and weaknesses, identify their X-factors, and explain why players like Victor Wembanyama and Jalen Brunson could ultimately determine who lifts the trophy.

Later, K.C. and Cam make their championship picks and break down the matchups that could swing the series. They also bring out the "By The Horns Hotline," answering questions from Bulls fans about the coaching search, draft possibilities...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson welcome Bulls pre and postgame analyst and former Bull Kendall Gill to talk the future of the Bulls and the current NBA landscape. Kendall shares why he believes newly hired EVP Bryson Graham can help reshape the franchise, reflects on his own experiences in Charlotte and how they compare to the Bulls’ current situation, and explains why Chicago still has major work to do despite the pieces already on the roster. The guys also get into the Bulls’ options with the No. 4 overall pick, potential draft fits, and Kendall’s surprising thoughts on a poss...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson unpack some more offseason moves for the Chicago Bulls after the organization officially added Stephen Mervis and Acie Law IV to the front office. The conversation dives into Law’s return to the franchise, his basketball background, and the Chicago sports ties that make the hire even more intriguing. From there, the spotlight swings toward the Bulls’ coaching search, as Cam and K.C. sort through the growing list of candidates that includes Wes Unseld Jr., David Sweeney, Micah Nori, and James Borrego.

Then the energy shifts to a wild start to t...

Ruthie Polinsky fills in for Cam Smith alongside K.C. Johnson as the two break down a pivotal stretch for the Chicago Bulls following the NBA Draft Lottery. They react to the Bulls landing the 4th overall pick, share the latest on Josh Giddey’s injury status, and discuss where the organization’s coaching search stands as the offseason begins to ramp up. The episode also includes takeaways from the NBA Draft Combine, including notable press conference moments and early impressions of several intriguing draft prospects.

K.C. and Ruthie dive deeper into several names connected to the...

On the latest episode of By The Horns, K.C. and Cam are joined by new Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham.

Graham opens up about his upbringing, how the Bulls inspired him to as a young kid and what traits he brings as the new leader of the organization.

Cam and K.C. pull back the curtain and connect with Bryson on a deeper level beyond X's and O's.

0:00-1:08 - Intro

1:09-4:00 - Graham's upbringing and family influence

4:01-5:44 - Graham's college career and...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down where the Bulls’ front office search stands, diving into the process of hiring a new executive vice president while sizing up potential candidates. They shift to the NBA Playoffs, sharing their early takeaways and highlighting the first-round matchups that have grabbed their attention most.

Cam spotlights the Pistons-Magic series, while K.C. weighs in on why the opening round often delivers more intrigue than the Finals. The guys also dig into performances from Cade Cunningham, Ayo Dosunmu and the intensity spilling over in the Timberwolves-Nuggets series. They close by di...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the news of Billy Donovan resigning as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, unpacking what it means for the franchise moving forward. As the conversation unfolds, they break down Donovan’s farewell statement, highlighting the key acknowledgments to players, staff, and Bulls Nation, while reflecting on the defining moments of his tenure in Chicago.

From there, the focus shifts toward what’s next, as K.C. explains why predicting the Bulls’ next head coach isn’t so straightforward and the factors that could shape the search. The episode closes by looki...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson share the latest on where things stand between the Bulls’ front office and Billy Donovan while also breaking down the team’s odds of landing the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They discuss the impact of Portland clinching a postseason spot, which secures an additional first-round pick for Chicago and gives the Bulls added flexibility heading into the draft.

The conversation then turns to our season recap with a deep dive into Josh Giddey’s campaign and growing leadership, along with Matas Buzelis’ progress and offseason mindset. They also highlight Tre Jone...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson react to a major shift inside the Chicago Bulls organization following the departures of Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley. The guys break down what led to the decision, what it signals about the franchise’s direction, and why this moment could define the next era of Bulls basketball.

They also dive into the press conference from Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, unpacking his comments on the search for the team’s next VP and GM, the qualities the organization is prioritizing, and how extensive the process coul...

Plus, it’s all about March Madness as the guys take a look at the Final Four picture, including Cam’s experience at the United Center for Michigan vs. Tennessee in the Elite Eight. Cam and KC make their picks for who’s headed to the championship—and who’s ultimately cutting down the nets.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ 2–2 homestand, highlighting Matas Buzelis’ clutch late-game impact and what stood out down the stretch. They also dive into Kevin Durant’s performance against Chicago, unpacking what still makes his scoring feel nearly impossible to defend, while debuting “K.C.’s Notebook” to spotlight Durant’s professionalism and lasting impact on the game, both on and off the court.

The conversation shifts to Josh Giddey’s playmaking surge, including a career-high 19 assists, and how his pass-first style continues to evolve with the roster. They also discuss Leonard Miller’s strong showing, th...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down Matas Buzelis’ continued rise after another great performance against the Grizzlies, including a career best third quarter. They also dive into the on-court back-and-forth between Buzelis and Luka Dončić and what it says about Matas' growing confidence and edge.

The conversation expands to Josh Giddey’s red-hot stretch and evolving mindset while also highlighting Buzelis joining Victor Wembanyama in rare statistical company. Plus, Taj Gibson makes another appearance at the UC and the first-ever edition of a new segment, “Cam’s Court," where Cam gives his two cents on the Bam...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Sacramento Kings, where Collin Sexton poured in 28 points as Chicago struggled out of the gate. The guys discuss Sexton’s potential long-term fit with the team and highlight Matas Buzelis continuing to make an impact defensively with an elite block game, fueling the conversation about his underrated sophomore season and untapped ceiling.

Later, they react to Josh Giddey returning to the floor and recording his ninth triple-double of the season before looking ahead to the rest of the Bulls’ West Coast trip, including a toug...

The Bulls use a stunning 27-0 surge against the Milwaukee Bucks to end an 11-game skid. Cam and K.C. break down how that momentum shift unfolded, and Josh Giddey records his first triple-double since December. 

From there, the focus turns to what’s ahead, including a challenging West Coast swing with late-night matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. The conversation also highlights rookie Matas Buzelis and his steady presence all season, not just being durable but also embracing the learning curve and staying composed through the inevitable ups and downs.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ frustrating 10-game losing streak and what’s fueling the slide, from late-game execution to lineup adjustments. The guys also discuss the opportunity emerging from the skid, including the valuable minutes Rob Dillingham is logging and what that experience could mean for his long-term development in Chicago.

They also dive into Matas Buzelis’ breakout 32-point performance against the Charlotte Hornets and what it says about his ceiling moving forward. Plus, former Bull Coby White makes his return to the United Center in a Hornets uniform for the first time s...

As the first half winds down, Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson evaluate how the revamped Bulls roster is starting to take shape. With Anfernee Simons, Rob Dillingham, and Collin Sexton now in the mix, the focus shifts to late-game struggles, locker room accountability, and whether this group can finally close out tight contests.

The conversation turns to which newcomer has captured their attention most, with Cam and K.C. each making their case and sharing a fun nugget about who Simons believes is the greatest of all time. They also preview Matas Buzelis showcase in the...

The NBA Trade Deadline takes center stage as the crew breaks down where the Bulls stand coming out of a busy day and why the roster is still a work in progress. K.C. Johnson offers his perspective on what he called the "wildest deadline" he’s ever covered, setting the stage for how Chicago’s moves fit into the league-wide chaos.

From there, the focus shifts to the newcomers, evaluating how players like Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham and others could shape both the Bulls’ present and long-term direction. The episode wraps up with a...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson open the episode by reflecting on an emotional night at the United Center as the Derrick Rose jersey retirement takes center stage. They break down what the moment meant for Rose, the franchise, and the city, before diving into the on-court action that followed as the Chicago Bulls edged the Boston Celtics on Kevin Huerter’s game-winning shot.

From there, the guys recap a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, sparked by a big first half from LeBron James and a double-double from Luka Dončić. They also highlight Coby Whit...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson take a reflective look at the legacy of Derrick Rose, ahead of his jersey retirement, revisiting the moments that defined his journey from a Chicago prodigy to one of the most electrifying players of his era. The guys walk through his rise with the Chicago Bulls, from being selected No. 1 overall to the peak of his prime, while also acknowledging the challenges and lost time that shaped his career.

The conversation expands beyond the court, touching on Rose’s early roots, his influence on basketball culture, and his impact in Chicago af...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ gritty win over Utah, punctuated by Nikola Vucevic's game-winner. The guys examine Billy Donovan’s rotation choices and discuss how Jalen Smith continues to carve out a meaningful role.

The conversation also highlights Dalen Terry’s two-way spark, why Coby White is still searching for his offensive rhythm, and how it all fits into a demanding stretch of games ahead. To wrap it up, Cam and K.C. look ahead to a home-and-home with Brooklyn.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson take a closer look at the Bulls’ recent back-to-back games, breaking down what stood out from those matchups against the Hornets and Celtics. The conversation then turns to Coby White and how he continues to fight through his calf injury, before diving into Matas Buzelis’ continued emergence.

Cam and K.C. also share a lighter moment from K.C.’s live TV countdown on-court collision. Plus, a look at the Bulls’ decision to sign Yuki Kawamura to a two-way contract and how it fits into the team’s broader plans.

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into a tough stretch for the Bulls, starting with Saturday night’s loss to the Bucks and the challenges that came with it. They discuss the impact of injuries, including Zach Collins, and dive into standout performances from Anthony Edwards and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with a closer look at Giannis’ dominant showing against Chicago.

The conversation continues with Giannis’ late windmill dunk that sparked a postgame scuffle and a debate over whether it crossed the NBA’s unwritten rules. Cam and K.C. also recap Monday night’s loss to the Timberwolv...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ strong recent stretch, winning four of their last five and starting to look more settled as the roster gets healthier. They dive into how having all the bigs available has opened up more lineup and rotation flexibility, and what that means for Billy Donovan moving forward. The guys also discuss Matas Buzelis’ recent performances and why it feels like he may be turning a corner—easing some of the offensive pressure on Josh Giddey and Coby White in the process. Plus, a look ahead to a challenging six-game homestand agains...

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down arguably one of the Bulls’ most complete performances of the season, a win over the Cavaliers that marked Chicago’s largest margin of victory. They dive into Josh Giddey’s night—tying a career high in made threes while competing defensively to the final horn—and give love to Nikola Vučević for working his way out of a recent funk. The guys also discuss how a healthy Bulls roster could lead to a shift in the big-man rotation and how Chicago’s zone defense helped neutralize Cleveland on the boards. Plus, thoughts...