On this episode of CHGO Bulls, the crew discuss all things Chicago Bulls with special guest co-host of the Big Red Bus Podcast Doug Thonus. We discuss Josh Giddey and the Bulls front office still not having a contract signed. When is the time to be concerned about the lack of a deal? Should Giddey look more towards taking a qualifying offer? Also, Ayo Dosunmu’s newest vlog details his trip back to U of I includes some INTERESTING thoughts about the Bulls making the playoffs this season. Will Ayo be ready to go for training camp? Plus, the Bulls have several unknowns coming into the season. Which unknown is the biggest one that needs to be answered? How immediate does that unknown need to be proven?

The Chicago Bulls are once again being doubted on the national stage, as ESPN projects them to miss even the NBA Play-In Tournament this season. On this one, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb dive into ESPN’s prediction and what it means for Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Coby White. Can the Bulls prove the doubters wrong and make a push in the Eastern Conference playoff race? Plus, Nikola Vucevic gave an interview to BasketNews where he discussed his relationship with AK, patience from the fans and staying in Chicago. Is he happy with his time with the team?Also, NBA Insider Marc Stein joins the show to discuss the latest free agency talk and updates on Josh Giddey. Join the CHGO Bulls Podcast for all the latest Bulls news, analysis, and reactions!

On this episode, Big Dave and Will Gottlieb talk with draft expert and basketball analyst for the Hornets Live Terrence Oglesby, about Noa Essengue and if he sees big potential in his game. They also ask him if he has big expectations for Matas Buzelis going into year 2, and what he feels about Josh Giddey as a player. Would he give Giddey the contract he's asking for if he were the GM? Also, Sam Vecenie from The Athletic said on his Game Theory Podcast that Josh Giddey should sit out some games if he and the FO can't come to an agreement on a contract. Would this be a good move for Giddey? What does his timeline to sign look like? Plus, Nikola Vucevic plays his 1st FIBA Eurobasket game vs. Germany. How did Vuc do in his 1st Eurobasket action? Should Bulls fans be excited with what they saw?

The CHGO Bulls crew discusses the possibility of Zion Williamson or Giannis Antetokounmpo requesting a trade, and whether the Chicago Bulls would make an offer to land either player. As part of their “Summer Forecast” series leading up to the 2025-26 NBA season, ESPN conducted another round of survey questions, including which superstar players are most likely to be the next to request a trade. Zion and Giannis came in #1 and #2. Making a bold trade offer for either player would seemingly be in contrast with the Arturas Karnisovas “slow and steady” approach with his roster overhaul and development. But, what would it take from the Bulls’ side to get a deal done? Peck, Big Dave, and Will Gottlieb also react to ESPN’s season award predictions. Spoiler alert: …no Bulls!

The CHGO Bulls crew dive into the new NBA2K26 rankings, with Coby White, Josh Giddey and Nikola Vucevic all cracking the Top 100. Are there ratings fair or foul? Will any of their teammates be Top 100 material by the end of the 2025-26 season? Plus, the crew shares some of their favorite moments from Bulls Fest 2025, including Will Gottlieb’s interview with former Bulls center Eddy Curry!

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss today’s announcement from the Chicago Bulls that the Derrick Rose Jersey Retirement ceremony will take place on January 24, 2026 after their home game against the Boston Celtics. What will the night entail, in addition to Rose’s jersey going to the rafters? Matt Peck and Will Gottlieb make some predictions. Plus, the guys deliberate what Billy Donovan’s starting lineup and main rotation will be to begin the season. Who will start between Kevin Huerter and Isaac Okoro? Who earns more minutes, Zach Collins or Jalen Smith? And which younger players will be left out of the rotation entirely?

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss some striking statistical splits from Josh Giddey in both his first Chicago Bulls season and his final season with Oklahoma City. Why did he have such poor starts in each season, along with very strong finishes? Is this a pattern that will repeat itself in 2025-26, or are there more context clues to explain each season’s trend as a special case? Peck and Will Gottlieb welcome back former CHGO Bulls contributor and good pal Mark K to help them analyze it! The guys also get Mark’s takes on a variety of offseason moves, and whether he thinks the Bulls can do a better job developing their young talent than in years past.

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss a recent redraft of the 2024 NBA Draft from The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, with Matas Buzelis being selected 6th overall. Is this the rightful spot for Buzelis, or should he be even higher? What about if Matas was in the 2025 draft class, where would he have been drafted? Peck and Will Gottlieb also talk with Chicago Bulls Director of Basketball Programming Kyle Cummings. Plus, the guys react to an update on the Nikola Vucevic buyout rumor and some Bulls development staff promotions.

The CHGO Bulls crew discuss new NBA shooting guard rankings from HoopsHype, which have Chicago Bulls guard Coby White listed at #12. Is this a fair ranking? Peck and Will Gottlieb analyze the players above and below White in the rankings, and talk about a particularly worrisome stat in HoopsHype’s explanation of where Coby landed. Plus, the guys react to the Bulls 2024-25 roster’s less than impressive finish in Andy Bailey’s “HNI” rankings, a catch-all of advanced analytic statistics!