Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

On today's episode of Locked On Bulls, Matt goes solo and breaks down the Bulls' Monday night loss to the East-leading Milwaukee Bucks.

The conversation starts with a close look at the way Zach LaVine has increased his assist numbers while maintaining his efficient scoring streak and his growing chemistry with Lauri Markkanen. Matt notes the poor shooting night from Lauri, but discussed the ways in which the Finnish kid positively affected the game despite the 6-21 shooting. Notably, his continued success grabbing rebounds, and his willingness to put the ball on the floor to jump-start transition offense opportunities after corralling boards. 

In the second segment, Matt discusses Jim Boylen's latest attempt at a small-ball lineup from last night, which saw Otto Porter Jr. getting minutes at the 5. With Cristiano Felicio essentially being unusable in an NBA game, Boylen has started to use more small looks with Markkanen and now Porter at the center position for certain stretches. Unfortunately, the Bulls are so weak in their second unit that the Porter-Luwawu-Harrison-Selden-Arcidiacono experiment last night looked awful. But when the Bulls hopefully add some better depth to this roster, they should - with or without Boylen - continue to experiment with these small-ball kind of lineups.

And finally, Matt wraps up the show questioning the latest head-scratching decision by Boylen and his staff to let an injured player keep playing. Kris Dunn took a nasty fall and landed on his backside. Despite being in visibly serious pain and taking a trip to the locker room, Dunn came back into the game in the 4th quarter. He looked immobile. Why was he out there? It's yet another example on the heels of Zach LaVine playing through a re-aggravated ankle sprain and Chandler Hutchison fighting through 41 minutes with a broken toe. For a team with just 13 wins nearing the All Star break, Matt asks: what is the point of this, and why is no one telling Boylen to stop?

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Locked On Bulls is back with a fresh episode and the guys breakdown the chaos that ensued from the weekend including the Bulls press conference following the Otto Porter Jr. trade, John Paxson's heated radio interview on 670 The Score, and Nets-Wizards recap with Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker returning to the United Center.

The guys talk about Otto Porter Jr.'s first game with the Bulls and how the team looked a lot different against the Nets than they did a few weeks ago. Locked On Bulls spent some time on some of the differences they noticed on the offensive side of the ball and where Otto Porter can help. The guys mention how the Bulls second unit will ultimately be the downfall of a lot of wins in the last 28 games. The guys also discuss Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker's return to Chicago, the Bulls deflated back-to-back showing and how the effort was lacking in this game. The Bulls have lost 10 straight games at home for the first time in franchise history.

Locked On Bulls breaks down the Bulls press conference following the NBA Trade Deadline on Thursday. The guys talk about the comments made from John Paxson and Gar Forman after trading Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis to the Washington Wizards for Otto Porter Jr. The guys bounce around from a bunch of different topics including perception of the fan base, being held responsible for failures (such as Jabari Parker signing), and more.

The guys move it along to John Paxson's interview on 670 The Score with the McNeil & Parkins Show. The guys highlight some of the audio throughout the interview and why it become a sparring match between the hosts and Paxson. The guys also take you through the interview Paxson did with the Carmen & Jurko show on ESPN 1000. All of this and so much more on Locked On Bulls.

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Locked On Bulls is back with a special bonus episode post NBA trade deadline dedicated solely to to Bulls fans reacting to the Otto Porter Jr. deal. The guys take all of your voicemails, texts, tweets, and reactions in addition to any other breaking news in this special edition mailbag episode.

The guys get a lot of mixed reaction as the NBA trade deadline comes and goes, normally the Chicago Bulls are not players at the deadline. Now that the Bulls acquired Porter and have limited cap space will they be addressing the point guard position? Bulls fans want to know why they had to give up a pick in the deal and were unable to get anything back with having to take on so much of Otto Porter Jr.'s contract? Jordan and Matt discuss the value of the deal and whether it's fair to question what kind of leverage the Bulls had.

The guys take some calls from angry Bulls fans who are fed up with the lack of direction from this team. The guys try to make some sense of when the Bulls decided to pull the plug on taking a run at free agency this summer. The guys discuss whether or not Porter will actually help or hurt the draft position in the remaining 28 games this season. Did the Bulls do Bobby Portis wrong by trading him and not staying loyal? The guys discuss how Portis was proving to be one of the glue guys to this team but did turn down an opportunity to stay long-term in the fall.

Will Otto Porter Jr. have an impact on this Bulls team and what do the guys expect out of him? Bulls fans are wondering how the other guys on the team are taking the trade of Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis. Will Porter be able to help bring a desperate need of outside shooting at the wing and open things up for Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine? The guys also discuss how this move will impact the Bulls scouting the upcoming NBA Draft. All of this and so much more on Locked On Bulls. Drop the guys a voicemail or text at (331)-979-1369.

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Locked On Bulls is back with a fresh episode, the guys are back to cover the biggest story surround the Chicago Bulls ahead of today's NBA Trade Deadline. The Bulls trade Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis, and a 2023 2nd Round pick to the Washington Wizards for Otto Porter Jr. 

The guys discuss the initial reaction from Bulls fans and the shock that hit about acquiring Porter. What does it mean for the Bulls rebuild and their plans for free agency in 2019 and 2020? The guys discuss Otto Porter Jr.'s career so far in the NBA and why the Bulls would be willing to take on his remaining 2-years, 56-million dollar contract. The guys debate the pros and cons of this deal and some of the upside to Porter's game. Does Locked On Bulls hate the deal, love the deal, or sit somewhere in between?

What does the loss of Bobby Portis mean for the Bulls? The guys discuss Portis' time with the Bulls, why he was ultimately dealt, what his feelings might be, and what his value is going to be in restricted free agency this summer. Should the Bulls have been able to get a draft pick in addition to taking on Otto Porter Jr.'s money? The guys discuss the possibility and whether the Bulls had all the leverage or not. The guys also talk about the Jabari Parker experiment coming to an end. How will the front office be able to explain how it went? Will Parker be successful with the Wizards and beyond this season? All of this and so much more on Locked On Bulls. 

Give your reaction to the Bulls acquiring Otto Porter Jr. at Locked On Bulls text and voicemail line at (331)-979-1369 or on Twitter @LockedOnBulls.

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Locked on Bulls is back with a fresh episode, the guys are joined by Bulls writer for SB Nation's Blogabull.com and BullsHQ podcast, Mark Karantzoulis (@mkhoops). The guys spend the opening segment talking about the latest deals happening around the NBA Trade Deadline including Tobias Harris being traded to the Sixers. Are the Clippers looking to move wing Danilo Gallinari in an effort to clear cap space in hopes to land Anthony Davis? The guys discuss how the Bulls could get involved, what it would take, and maybe a three way deal to send Gallinari elsewhere.

Locked On Bulls main discussion with Mark revolves heavily around the NBA Trade Deadline and what to expect from the Chicago Bulls. As a collective fan base, do we have a tough time objectively evaluating our current players? Has this been a trend under the current regime? Jordan, Matt, and Mark discuss this interesting theory and also feel they have fallen victim at times. 

The guys talk about the options the Bulls have for players like Robin Lopez, Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis, and Kris Dunn in the next 24-hours. Will the Bulls find suitors for Jabari Parker? Will Robin Lopez be a filler in a deal? Will buyouts be the ultimate outcome for both expiring contracts? Locked On Bulls discusses whether or not Bobby Portis is actually worth anything to other teams and if the lack of any reports of interest means he won't be dealt. The guys also have a discussion about what it is the Bulls plan to do this summer in free agency and why the gap is closing quickly on the top two tiers of players.

The guys talk about the Bulls on the floor and ultimately how to judge what the season is going to be once it concludes in April. Can we fairly evaluate the core players on this roster at the end of the season knowing what we do about Jim Boylen? What are the Bulls going to do about Kris Dunn? Has the timer finally gone off on him, whether the Bulls want to admit it or not? All of this and so much more on Locked On Bulls. Drop the guys a voicemail or text at (331)-979-1369!

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Locked On Bulls is back with a fresh episode, the guys start the show talking about the Bulls only real news of the Trade Deadline Week coming from ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst who said the Los Angeles Lakers may have interest in Jabari Parker. 

Windhorst said on The Hoops Collective podcast this week that the Lakers have not discussed any deals for Anthony Davis that have included guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Enter the Chicago Bulls. Windhorst has said that he is not guaranteeing a deal being done by Thursday's deadline but would not be surprised if Jabari Parker was on the Lakers in the next few days. 

The guys also talk about Windhorst's quote "Bulls really like Caldwell-Pope" and whether or not they buy that or if it was just an assist to the Lakers, LeBron James, and Rich Paul. Locked On Bulls talks through a few trade scenarios, why this deal would only be done if Caldwell-Pope approves of a trade, and why Chicago would more than likely buy him out in any deal. 

Locked On Bulls day two of talking about the NBA Trade Deadline includes what the Bulls trade scenarios should look like from Jordan, Matt, and Bulls listeners. Should the Bulls take a look at some of the wings available in Phoenix? What's the real value of Bobby Portis and Kris Dunn together? What can they bring you separately? 

Jordan has a three-way deal including the Bulls, Grizzlies, and Jazz. Bulls listeners ask about a possible backcourt break up of McCollum and Lillard (deadline and offseason) and if there is any interest in Frank Ntilikina. Finally, would you trade the Bulls core players for Anthony Davis (minus Lauri Markkanen) and trade him this summer for a new young core? The guys discuss all of these topics and so much more on Locked On Bulls.

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Locked On Bulls is back with a fresh episode, the guys split the episode between breaking down the weekend's action against the Charlotte Hornets and kicking off all the rumors flying around leading up to this week's NBA Trade Deadline.

Bobby Portis for a second consecutive game put on a show for the Chicago Bulls, have we finally turned a corner on seeing a completely healthy and confident Portis from a year ago? Or is Portis' string of two games simply a mirage mixed with middling Eastern Conference teams and lack of Bulls offense? The guys discuss his monster first half and how the Bulls lack of adjustments in the second half led to another loss late in the fourth quarter.

The Charlotte Hornets scored 74 points in the second half and outscored the Bulls from the three-point line 33-to-9 to fight their way to a win. The guys discuss how the Bulls had one of their best performances getting to the free throw line this season but the Hornets were matching every move made. Locked On Bulls talks about the real concern about Jim Boylen's philosophy against shooting threes and the Bulls lack of three-point shooting talent.

As the NBA Trade Deadline approaches on Thursday (3 p.m. E.T.), Locked On Bulls begins some of their discussions about possible trade scenarios the Bulls might be involved in. The guys highlight the small, but laughable cash considerations move they made on Friday which included a salary dump from Oklahoma City. The guys discuss what Bobby Portis' value is on the trade market, whether or not the Bulls will seriously consider dealing him, and where he fits best. The guys also circle back to the Bulls interest last week in Ricky Rubio and how there is too many layers to make it all fit right for the Bulls to nab him. All of this and so much more on Locked On Bulls. 

Send the guys your Bulls Trade Deadline deals at (331)-979-1369 or on Twitter @LockedOnBulls.

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(Programming Note: Locked On Bulls was recorded before the Chicago Bulls trade was made, Jordan details the Bulls trade at the beginning of the episode. The Bulls acquired Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and cash considerations from Oklahoma City. They also waived Carmelo Anthony).

Locked On Bulls is back with a fresh episode, the guys talk about the biggest story in the NBA yesterday with superstar Kristaps Porzingis being traded from the New York Knicks to the Dallas Mavericks. The guys also get into the Chicago Bulls sending scouts to visit veteran point guards Ricky Rubio (Utah Jazz) and Darren Collison (Indiana Pacers) as potential trade deadline acquisitions to help push Kris Dunn. 

The guys spend a decent amount of time talking about how the strategy of both the Knicks and Mavericks is risky but could pay off big time for both teams. The guys circle back to how the Bulls situation is a little bit different but they seem to never swing big like other teams. Can the Bulls ever be in a position to acquire a star like Dallas has or has the rebuild been put in reverse with the season they have had?

Locked On Bulls spends some time talking about the latest report from the Chicago Sun-Times' Joe Cowley about the Bulls sending scouts to see veteran point guards Ricky Rubio of the Utah Jazz and Darren Collison of the Indiana Pacers. The report cites that the Bulls are looking to add a veteran guard who can push Kris Dunn and also leave open the option of an expiring contract that gives them flexibility this summer. Is this too late of a project? The guys have some interest in Rubio beyond Kris Dunn because of his connection with Zach LaVine.

The guys go more in depth about Zach LaVine's struggles this season. Jordan asks the question about whether LaVine's difference this year is team (Bulls roster construction), scheme (Jim Boylen as the head coach), or is it Zach LaVine himself? Jordan reveals information he received about LaVine's time in Minnesota before his ACL tear and what was making him so successful there. All of this and so much more on Locked On Bulls.

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Locked On Bulls is back with a fresh episode, the guys break down the Bulls win over the Miami Heat last night in the second game of a back-to-back on the road. The guys discuss how the Bulls may have handed the Heat a sizable loss but this was more about a reevaluation of where the Heat are going rather than an improvement of where the Bulls are at.

The guys discuss how Zach LaVine was a game time decision last night because of a sore ankle and knee, ultimately deciding to sit out. The guys discuss whether the Bulls being 4-2 in LaVine's absence holds any merit? What does the small sample size of games tell us about how the Bulls play without him on the floor? Locked On Bulls discusses how Bobby Portis and Wayne Selden Jr. lead the Bulls to a win. The guys also touch on Kris Dunn, who may have had his best game since Indiana at the beginning of the month.

The guys take some more voicemails and text messages from Bulls fans, you can interact with Locked On Bulls by leaving those at their hotline (331)-979-1369. As the NBA Trade Deadline approaches, should the Bulls look at Milwaukee Bucks young Center Thon Maker? Jordan and Matt argue about priorities, what it would cost to acquire him, and bigger picture where the Bulls are at in the rebuild (warning: things get a bit heated between the two). The guys talk about overall what the Bulls priorities are at the deadline right now and the positions they should be addressing.

The guys are also asked who they believe should be the next Bulls head coach or what qualities should they be looking for? Jordan has a conspiracy theory about who Zach LaVine might want the front office to look at this summer. All of this and so much more on Locked On Bulls.

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Locked On Bulls is back with a fresh episode, the guys start the show recapping last night's game in Brooklyn where the Bulls were unable to hold onto a lead in the fourth quarter and fell to the Nets, 122-117. 

The guys talk about some of the positives that they saw including one of the first games in almost a month where the Bulls looked like a competitive basketball team. Coming into this game the Brooklyn Nets were one of the best NBA teams in the league, posting the third best defensive rating and the ninth best net rating. The guys talk about Lauri Markkanen's 18 points and 19 rebounds, Jabari Parker's 22 points off the bench, and Zach LaVine's 26 points to help give the Bulls a chance to be in the game late.

What fell apart late in the game that prevented the Bulls from being able to beat the Nets? Locked On Bulls discusses some of Jim Boylen's choices for rotations in the second half including Ryan Arcidiacono's surplus of minutes in the third and fourth quarter. Why did Boylen go to Shaq Harrison closing the game over Wayne Selden Jr.? Did Boylen forget Lauri Markkanen was on the bench until the final 5:30 of the fourth quarter? 

The second half of the show the guys dedicate the show to their weekly segment of Bulls mailbag where they take text messages and voicemails. You can always leave those for the guys at (331)-979-1369. 

Some of the topics on the show include if the Bulls do end up with the first overall pick this summer and they decide to trade it for Anthony Davis, a caller feels that he is in the minority about Jim Boylen's philosophy about this team, should the Bulls be in on acquiring the Lakers Lonzo Ball, which Bulls "core piece" is most likely to not be here when they are competitive again, and so much more on Locked On Bulls.

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