By The Horns: A Chicago Bulls Show

2026 NBA Draft Combine & Reaction to the Bulls’ Draft Lottery Results

Ruthie Polinsky fills in for Cam Smith alongside K.C. Johnson as the two break down a pivotal stretch for the Chicago Bulls following the NBA Draft Lottery. They react to the Bulls landing the 4th overall pick, share the latest on Josh Giddey’s injury status, and discuss where the organization’s coaching search stands as the offseason begins to ramp up. The episode also includes takeaways from the NBA Draft Combine, including notable press conference moments and early impressions of several intriguing draft prospects.
K.C. and Ruthie dive deeper into several names connected to the Bulls, including Chicago-linked star Cam Boozer and North Carolina big man Caleb Wilson, while also taking a quick look at elite talents AJ Dybantsa and Chicago native Darryn Peterson. Later, the conversation shifts toward potential options at No. 15 overall, including high-upside Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance and towering Michigan center Aday Mara, as the crew evaluates the different directions Chicago could take in this year’s draft.

Exclusive interview with Bulls EVP of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham | By The Horns

On the latest episode of By The Horns, K.C. and Cam are joined by new Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham.
Graham opens up about his upbringing, how the Bulls inspired him to as a young kid and what traits he brings as the new leader of the organization.
Cam and K.C. pull back the curtain and connect with Bryson on a deeper level beyond X's and O's.
0:00-1:08 - Intro
1:09-4:00 - Graham's upbringing and family influence
4:01-5:44 - Graham's college career and perspective change
5:45-12:00 - How Graham went from intern to executive
12:01-17:34 - Graham's leadership style
17:35-21:45 - The influence of Michael Jordan on Graham
21:46-23:01 - How the 90's Bulls defined greatness for Graham
23:02-25:38 - What about the Bulls opportunity appealed to Graham
25:39- 27:22 - Rapid fire questions
27:23-27:49 - Outro

Bulls Search Continues & Most Intriguing First-Round Series

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down where the Bulls’ front office search stands, diving into the process of hiring a new executive vice president while sizing up potential candidates. They shift to the NBA Playoffs, sharing their early takeaways and highlighting the first-round matchups that have grabbed their attention most.
Cam spotlights the Pistons-Magic series, while K.C. weighs in on why the opening round often delivers more intrigue than the Finals. The guys also dig into performances from Cade Cunningham, Ayo Dosunmu and the intensity spilling over in the Timberwolves-Nuggets series. They close by discussing Dosunmu’s upcoming free agency, plus LeBron James continuing to defy time, including a memorable playoff moment alongside his son.

REACTION to Billy Donovan stepping down as Bulls head coach

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson dive into the news of Billy Donovan resigning as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, unpacking what it means for the franchise moving forward. As the conversation unfolds, they break down Donovan’s farewell statement, highlighting the key acknowledgments to players, staff, and Bulls Nation, while reflecting on the defining moments of his tenure in Chicago.
From there, the focus shifts toward what’s next, as K.C. explains why predicting the Bulls’ next head coach isn’t so straightforward and the factors that could shape the search. The episode closes by looking ahead to the 2026–2027 season, exploring the identity this team might take on and how this transition could redefine the direction of the organization.

Bulls 2025-2026 Season Recap

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson share the latest on where things stand between the Bulls’ front office and Billy Donovan while also breaking down the team’s odds of landing the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They discuss the impact of Portland clinching a postseason spot, which secures an additional first-round pick for Chicago and gives the Bulls added flexibility heading into the draft.
The conversation then turns to our season recap with a deep dive into Josh Giddey’s campaign and growing leadership, along with Matas Buzelis’ progress and offseason mindset. They also highlight Tre Jones’ emergence as a reliable contributor and examine Isaac Okoro’s underrated season, including the offensive growth that caught Billy Donovan’s attention.

REACTION: Michael Reinsdorf addresses media

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson react to a major shift inside the Chicago Bulls organization following the departures of Vice President Arturas Karnisovas and General Manager Marc Eversley. The guys break down what led to the decision, what it signals about the franchise’s direction, and why this moment could define the next era of Bulls basketball.
They also dive into the press conference from Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, unpacking his comments on the search for the team’s next VP and GM, the qualities the organization is prioritizing, and how extensive the process could be. Plus, where does head coach Billy Donovan fit into all of this? The conversation explores his future in Chicago and how the next front office hire could shape the team’s identity moving forward.

Bulls take on MVP Candidate Wembanyama and Final Four Preview

 
Plus, it’s all about March Madness as the guys take a look at the Final Four picture, including Cam’s experience at the United Center for Michigan vs. Tennessee in the Elite Eight. Cam and KC make their picks for who’s headed to the championship—and who’s ultimately cutting down the nets.

Clutch Buzelis, Durant Still Making It Look Easy

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Bulls’ 2–2 homestand, highlighting Matas Buzelis’ clutch late-game impact and what stood out down the stretch. They also dive into Kevin Durant’s performance against Chicago, unpacking what still makes his scoring feel nearly impossible to defend, while debuting “K.C.’s Notebook” to spotlight Durant’s professionalism and lasting impact on the game, both on and off the court.
The conversation shifts to Josh Giddey’s playmaking surge, including a career-high 19 assists, and how his pass-first style continues to evolve with the roster. They also discuss Leonard Miller’s strong showing, the emergence of young contributors within Billy Donovan’s system, and preview the Bulls’ upcoming road trip. Plus, a look around the NBA with potential expansion news and “Cam’s Court” tackles the ongoing debate surrounding the league’s 65-game rule.

Buzelis Brings the Edge, Giddey Keeps Filling the Stat Sheet

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down Matas Buzelis’ continued rise after another great performance against the Grizzlies, including a career best third quarter. They also dive into the on-court back-and-forth between Buzelis and Luka Dončić and what it says about Matas' growing confidence and edge.
The conversation expands to Josh Giddey’s red-hot stretch and evolving mindset while also highlighting Buzelis joining Victor Wembanyama in rare statistical company. Plus, Taj Gibson makes another appearance at the UC and the first-ever edition of a new segment, “Cam’s Court," where Cam gives his two cents on the Bam Adebayo 83-point game. 

Collin Sexton's offensive surge, Matas Buzelis builds upon strong sophomore season

Cam Smith and K.C. Johnson break down the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Sacramento Kings, where Collin Sexton poured in 28 points as Chicago struggled out of the gate. The guys discuss Sexton’s potential long-term fit with the team and highlight Matas Buzelis continuing to make an impact defensively with an elite block game, fueling the conversation about his underrated sophomore season and untapped ceiling.
Later, they react to Josh Giddey returning to the floor and recording his ninth triple-double of the season before looking ahead to the rest of the Bulls’ West Coast trip, including a tough back-to-back in Los Angeles.
Cam and K.C. also go around the NBA to talk about Jayson Tatum’s return and how it affects the Eastern Conference race, while Cam weighs in on the recent Thunder–Nuggets matchup he’s calling the “game of the year.”