By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show

Chicago Bulls Draft Noa Essengue 12th Overall

It’s a special solo draft night edition of By the Horns as K.C. Johnson breaks down the Bulls’ selection of French forward Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick. K.C. dives into the Bulls’ rationale behind the upside swing, Essengue’s background, strengths, and what GM Mark Eversley envisions for his on- and off-court development. You’ll also hear surprise cameos from Patrick Williams and Talen Horton-Tucker, plus some behind-the-scenes insight into who else the Bulls considered on draft night. Can Essengue and Matas Buzelis anchor the frontcourt of the future? And just how patient will fans need to be?

Bulls Youth Building Bonds and NBA Finals Heating Up

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the NBA Finals so far—Indiana’s Game 1 steal, OKC’s bounce-back in Game 2, and what’s next. Plus, Bulls offseason workouts, Asa Newell’s draft stock, and Shaq’s Reebok pitch to Matas Buzelis.

NBA Finals Preview, Thibs Fired, & Lonzo Ball What-Ifs

The NBA Finals are here—and while some may scoff at the "small market" matchup, Cam Smith and KC Johnson are fired up for Pacers vs. Thunder. The duo breaks down why Indiana can push OKC, the key matchups and X-factors to watch, and why hoopers should love this series. They also react to DeMar DeRozan's heartfelt Lonzo Ball praise, revisiting the Bulls' what-if 2021-22 season. Plus, Cam details his first-ever half marathon experience, and the guys respond in real time to the breaking news of Tom Thibodeau’s firing by the Knicks.

Fit vs. Best Player Available at No. 12 & All-NBA Team Reactions

With the NBA Draft just a month away, Cam Smith and Bulls insider K.C. Johnson break down the latest intel from Bulls draft workouts and rising prospects. Will Chicago target a guard or a frontcourt piece at No. 12? They dive deep into the cases for Egor Demin, Derik Queen, and Asa Newell—and debate fit vs. philosophy in the Bulls' draft approach.
Plus, the duo reacts to the All-NBA selections, Shea Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP win, and what his historic season means for OKC’s Finals hopes. They also check in on the Knicks-Pacers and Timberwolves-Thunder showdowns and discuss who has the edge as the Conference Finals continue.

Buzelis Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the big news of the week—Matas Buzelis earning All-Rookie Second Team honors—and what it says about his trajectory with the Bulls. They break down his development, his defensive mindset, and why he could be the foundation of Chicago’s rebuild. Plus, the guys preview the Bulls' strategy heading into the draft with the 12th overall pick and highlight key prospects to watch. Then it’s NBA Conference Finals time—Cam and K.C. make their picks and debate whether the Pacers and Timberwolves have what it takes to make a Finals run.

Bulls Land 12th Pick as NBA Combine Takes Over Chicago

The NBA world descended on Chicago for Draft Lottery and Combine Week, and By The Horns was there to take it all in. Cam Smith and KC Johnson break down the Bulls landing the 12th pick, share insights from the combine floor, and debate who could be the best fit for the team on draft night. From Cooper Flagg’s rise to under-the-radar names like Saint Joseph's Rasheer Fleming and Duke's Khaman Maluach, the guys talk development, frontcourt priorities, and the myths of lottery luck. Plus, KC shuts down those conspiracy theories and shares what he's hearing from insiders on the ground.

Why the Bulls Aren’t Getting Giannis (Yet)

On this episode of By the Horns, Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the sizzling offseason chatter as Bulls fans dream about a potential Giannis trade—and K.C. brings a dose of reality to the fantasy. The duo breaks down why the Bucks' superstar isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and what it would actually take to bring him to Chicago. Plus, they go around the NBA Playoff landscape—from the Pacers turning heads to the Knicks' Game 1 stunner, and the Nuggets’ gritty finish against the Thunder. They also reflect on Gregg Popovich’s legendary coaching career and his transition to team president of the Spurs.

The Playoff Scars You Need: Bulls' Future, Bucks' Collapse, and Why the First Round Rules

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson are back on By The Horns, presented by Toyota, diving into a spicy NBA Playoffs first round. They kick things off reflecting on the Bulls' offseason position and why playoff scars are necessary for young stars. The guys break down Milwaukee’s collapse and debate whether the Bucks’ championship window is officially closed. Plus, they pick their favorite first-round series, rave about rising young teams like Detroit and Minnesota, and share why seeing NBA legends watch their sons ball out is one of the coolest parts of this postseason.
Stay locked in, fight through the playoff sleep deprivation, and make it up to your significant other later — By The Horns is rolling through the best time of the basketball year.

Closing the book on the '24-'25 Chicago Bulls season

K.C Johnson joins Cam Smith and Drew Stevens on this end of season episode of the By The Horns podcast. We cover everything that happened this season and it effects the Bulls now and into the future. From the expectations going into the season, the end of the Zach LaVine era, Coby White's adaptability, Vučević's career year, and the emergence of rookie Matas Buzelis. We also discuss how the Bulls will approach the offseason and what to look forward to in the future.

Bulls' season comes to an end with play-in loss to Miami

The Chicago Bulls' season ends in a disheartening defeat against the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.  Cam Smith and Drew Stevens break down the 109-90 loss, analyzing the Bulls' struggles, Tyler Hero's dominant performance, and what this means for the team moving forward.  Plus, a heated debate on the NBA's play-in tournament.