The Big Red Bus: A Chicago Bulls Podcast

The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the Bus out on a solo drive to provide his thoughts on the departure of Billy Donovan. 

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See Red Fred reacts to the Chicago Bulls landing the 15th pick and suggests signing Coby White this summer.  They then debate on whether the front office should commit to young talent like Matas and Josh Giddey. The episode closes with the See Red Fred penned "Dribble, Dribble, Pass!" about Patrick Williams, and Doug's "Fallen Prophet". 

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In this episode of The Big Red Bus, See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus dive into some offseason storylines and the potential return/departure of Billy Donovan.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus jump on the mic to break down the long-awaited end of the AKME era—widely regarded as the most disappointing front office tenure in Chicago Bulls history. From questionable roster construction and missed opportunities to a lack of direction and identity, the guys unpack how things unraveled over six frustrating seasons.

But this isn’t just a post-mortem.

Fred and Doug turn the page to what comes next—what the Bulls’ new leadership must prioritize, which assets (if any) can anchor a rebuild, and whether there’s a realistic path back to relevance in the Eastern Conference. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation that blends frustration, accountability, and a cautious sense of hope for what’s ahead.

If you’ve been riding through the highs and (mostly) lows of this era, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

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🎙️ Big Red Bus – Episode 250

Episode 250 tips off with See Red Fred joining Waddle & Silvy on Thursday’s show.

⏱️ 3:30 – Fred and the Podfather dive into the idea of “Two Leagues” in today’s NBA — the teams truly trying to win vs. those clearly positioning for the future. The Chicago Bulls? Stuck in the middle… failing at both winning and tanking.

⏱️ 9:00 – The Podfather breaks down the three “acceptable” tanking paths the NBA has effectively created — and where the Bulls fit (or don’t).

⏱️ 21:28 – Doug unveils his entry into the Song Contest: “Play-In Parade” 🎶

⏱️ 24:27 – See Red Fred counters with his own masterpiece: “AKME” 🎤

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss a significant predictive indicator for elite superstars to open the show.  They then discuss the Jaden Ivey situation. 

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Lyrics to “Play-In Parade” by Doug Thonus

Walked in with the fourth pick and a lottery crew,

Standing still as the window decays,

AKME by by See Red Fred.

AKME, AKME....When will those boos turn into cheers? AKME, AKME...We've been a play-in for years.  With no winning in the scores, Just more money for the Dorfs, You can't say I'm satisfied.  So AKME...AKME...Ain't it time that you resigned? AKME, you're dutiful yeah, but ain't it time we said goodbye? AKME, I can't stand it...We have one playoff win in five.  All your teams were never close, now the league thinks you're a dope. What goes on between your ears? AKME….AKME...Where will you lead us from here? (ooh-yeah…ohhh…See Red Fred’s so upset with you Why did you trade Ayo, all the pain will never go Doo-doo-doo, AKME don't you say to me, we just need continuity) It's like a sharp stick in your eye, but AKME, AKME...Patrick Williams makes me cry (yeah) You average one playoff win in five...with no winning in the scores, just more money for the Dorfs, you can't say we're satisfied.  But AKME, you've been a bit better lately. Some trades you made, they were alright. Ball for Okoro was an awesome move. But AKME, AKME...ain't it time that you resigned? AKME, AKME...We have one playoff win in five.  AKME, AKME...I can't say you didn't try.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather break down Josh Giddey’s declining free throw rate and what’s really driving it—scheme, shot profile, or aggression. They also dive into Ayo Dosunmu’s “prohibited shots” comments and the backlash around the Bulls seemingly discouraging the mid-range game. Is this smart, modern basketball or overthinking development? A passionate debate on analytics vs. instinct and where the Bulls are headed.

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See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonues continue the discussion with a debate on Matas talking trash to Luka.  They close the show with a discussion about the most common commercials while watching a Bulls' game.   The show ends with See Red Fred's 2 hit singles, "I Miss Coby White" and "Coby White". 

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Title: Still Running for Wins
Date: March 14, 2026
Hosts: See Red Fred & Doug Thonus

The episode begins with See Red Fred introducing the show on a cold mid-March day in Chicago, welcoming co-host Doug Thonus as the Big Red Bus rolls again.

Fred briefly notes:

The podcast is now officially part of the All-City Network.

Listener feedback has been very positive so far.

The hosts plan to increase fan engagement, including future mailbag segments.

Fred thanks listeners who send emails to seered[email protected].

The first major segment centers on the Bulls’ recent wins over the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors during their West Coast trip.

While many fans celebrated the victories, Fred strongly disagrees with the enthusiasm, arguing that these wins hurt the Bulls’ long-term future.

Fred explains his core frustration:

The Bulls are fighting for meaningless late-season wins

These wins reduce their chances of landing a top-four draft pick

A top-four pick is the best chance to add a true superstar

He emphasizes that:

Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis both had excellent games.  However, their development could have happened even in losses.  Fred argues the Bulls should prioritize development while still losing games to protect lottery odds.

Fred highlights the specific statistical consequences of winning:  If the Bulls finish with a better record than Milwaukee, their odds of a top-four pick could drop from:

~20% chance

~13% chance

That 7-percentage-point drop is the central issue driving his frustration.

Fred calls these victories:

“dumb, idiotic, meaningless March wins.”

Fred contrasts the Bulls with the Memphis Grizzlies, who he believes are clearly managing minutes to maximize lottery odds.

He argues Memphis is:

Limiting key players’ minutes

Prioritizing draft positioning

Meanwhile, the Bulls are:

Playing young stars 40+ minutes

Prioritizing wins over long-term strategy

Fred points specifically to the Golden State game, where both Giddey and Buzelis played more than 40 minutes.

He believes simply reducing their minutes slightly could have resulted in a loss while still allowing development.

Fred lays out his vision for the Bulls’ future roster.

He believes:

Josh Giddey

Matas Buzelis

are legitimate foundational pieces.

However, he views them as:

Potential #2 or #3 options

Not franchise-level superstars

Therefore the Bulls still need one true elite star.

A player with true franchise-changing upside

Someone who could elevate the Bulls into championship contention

Fred argues a core of:

A.J. DeBonsa

Matas Buzelis

Josh Giddey

would give the Bulls the foundation of a serious contender.

But he stresses:

The only realistic path to DeBonsa is landing in the top four of the draft lottery.

The hosts briefly discuss the possibility of removing veterans like:

Collin Sexton

Anfernee Simons

Fred agrees with Doug that cutting them now would be a mistake.

Reasons include:

Damaging relationships with players and agents

Hurting the Bulls’ reputation with future free agents

Fred says the real mistake was not moving these players earlier.

Fred predicts the current Bulls leadership will eventually be fired.

His reasoning:  The franchise has produced only one playoff win.  The team risks being stuck in “play-in purgatory”.  He warns the Bulls could remain permanently mediocre if they fail to maximize this draft opportunity.  Fred argues that a roster built only around Giddey and Buzelis might top out as:  A 50 win ceiling team at best.  Without the top-tier superstar needed to win a title

Fred reiterates his central point:  The Bulls should focus on maximizing draft odds, not chasing late-season wins.

He believes the current strategy sacrifices the chance to add a true franchise-altering player, which is far more valuable than winning games in March.

✅ Segment End Point:

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