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.

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