Advertise on podcast: The Big Red Bus: A Chicago Bulls Podcast

Recorded just before Friday's last preseason game, See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss Noa Essengue's progress, a potential contract extension with Leonard Miller, and the debate around Josh Giddey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Show Notes & Timestamps3:00 – Early Issues with the Matas & Caleb FitExamining the early chemistry between Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson, their offensive roles, and potential challenges playing together. 23:00 – Drawing Double TeamsHow opposing defenses are reacting to Caleb and the opportunities that double teams can create for the rest of the Bulls' offense. 25:00 – Issues with the Offense Setting Up CalebAre the Bulls doing enough to put Caleb in positions to succeed? A discussion of offensive execution, shot creation, and getting the most out of his abilities. 38:00 – SwainBreaking down Swain's early preseason performance and what he could bring to the Bulls. 44:00 – Bright SpotsEnding on a positive note with the most encouraging performances, developments, and takeaways from the Bulls' first two preseason games. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Big Red Bus – Episode Show NotesSee Red Fred & The Podfather Doug Thonus Episode SummarySee Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus are back for another episode of The Big Red Bus, kicking things off with a sleepy Doug, a shameless plug for Bulls Beat and the Knights of the Roundball Table, and a discussion of the Bulls' new announcers. The guys also break down a recent Josh Giddey video before Fred shares his five biggest reasons the Bulls could exceed expectations this season. But it's not all optimism, as Fred also explores five reasons the Bulls could disappoint, examining both the upside and potential pitfalls of this intriguing roster. Show Notes & Timestamps0:00 – Doug Just Woke Up: The Podfather gets off to a sleepy start as the guys kick off another episode.2:00 – Bulls Beat & Knights of the Roundball Table: A shameless plug for Bulls coverage and opportunities for fans to join the conversation.3:25 – New Bulls Announcers: Fred and Doug discuss the new voices covering the Chicago Bulls.13:00 – Josh Giddey Video: A discussion of a recent Giddey video and what it means for the Bulls.14:15 – Fred's Five Reasons the Bulls Could Be Better & Five Reasons They Could Be Worse Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus record an episode discussing the departure of Rob Dillingham and the arrival of Buddy Hield.  They also discuss the Jalen Bruson appearance on SNL.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Knights of the RoundBall Table Episode 1:1:00 - Who was your favorite Bull?11:30 — Opening Question What current Bull are you most excited about?19:40 — Matas29:00 — Billy Donovan Retrospective41:00 — Predictions for the Season Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Podfather Doug Thonus brings back Bulls Beat Reborn for solo episode number 4.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Big Red Bus — Episode 280: Do They Fit?See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus are back for Episode 280 of The Big Red Bus, covering a little Bears football before diving into several major Bulls topics. See Red Fred and Doug break down the Bears’ controversial fourth-and-one gamble from deep in their own territory, discuss the future of Rob Dillingham and what Chicago should be looking for from him heading into training camp, react to Taj Gibson officially returning to the Bulls organization as an assistant coach, and then tackle the biggest question facing Chicago’s roster: Can the Bulls’ Big 3 actually fit together on both ends of the floor? Show Notes3:23 — Bears Fourth-and-One GambleThe Bears go for it on fourth-and-one from their own 21-yard line in the second quarter against Carolina. Caleb Williams is stopped on the quarterback sneak, and the Panthers quickly capitalize to tie the game at 21-21. Fred and Doug discuss the decision, the execution, and the risk involved. 9:00 — Rob Dillingham DiscussionA look at Rob Dillingham following the trade from Minnesota, his wrist surgery, his outlook heading into Bulls training camp, and where he may ultimately fit in Chicago’s guard rotation. 16:06 — Taj Gibson Returns to ChicagoTaj Gibson retires after 17 NBA seasons and immediately begins the next chapter of his basketball career, joining the Bulls as an assistant coach under Tiago Splitter. Fred and Doug discuss what Taj brings to the coaching staff, locker room, and organization. Also Discussed — Do They Fit?The guys examine whether the Bulls’ Big 3 can function together offensively and defensively. Where does each player fit? Who guards whom? Is there enough shooting, defensive versatility, and role definition to make the combination work? Big Red Bus Top 10 Bulls Collectibles & GearAs discussed on the show, here are our Top 10 recommendations for Bulls collectibles and gear. The first five are all priced under $20. Chicago Bulls Zamac Keychainhttps://www.amazon.com/chicago-bulls-zamac-keychain-logo/dp/B094YYN2NW?tag=chicagobullse-20Chicago Bulls PVC Keychainhttps://www.amazon.com/Desert-Cactus-Chicago-Bulls-Keychain/dp/B09DB4GT6T?tag=chicagobullse-20Chicago Bulls Sticker Decalhttps://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Officially-Licensed-Scrapbook-Individual/dp/B098XXJ2BZ?tag=chicagobullse-20Chicago Bulls Felt Pennanthttps://www.amazon.com/WinCraft-Chicago-Bulls-Pennant-Full/dp/B00XWK8WN2?tag=chicagobullse-20Michael Jordan Funko Pophttps://www.amazon.com/Bulls-Michael-Jordan-Vinyl-Figure/dp/B07KPSDWJJ?tag=chicagobullse-20Ultra Game Super Soft Game Day T-Shirt — The Everyday Favoritehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1H7D1RD?tag=chicagobullse-20NBA Official Chicago Bulls Officially Licensed T-Shirthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1HSQWCH?tag=chicagobullse-20NBA Chicago Bulls Stacked City Logo T-Shirthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4GJM9PG?tag=chicagobullse-20NBA Official Chicago Bulls Boundless T-Shirthttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDJHYKKS?tag=chicagobullse-20NBA Chicago Bulls Officially Licensed Pullover Hoodiehttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK4F5TQ9?tag=chicagobullse-20 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus discuss the reign of Adam Silver.   They also do a deep dive on where Matas is best suited to guard...at the the 3 or 4.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See Red Fred and the Podfather Doug Thonus dives into what feels like a genuine upswing in Chicago sports, with renewed optimism surrounding several of the city’s teams before shifting the focus squarely to the Bulls. 0:25 – Chicago Sports Upswing The episode opens with a look at the improving mood around Chicago sports and why there may finally be some legitimate reasons for fans to feel optimistic. 6:00 – Level of Excitement for Caleb Wilson The conversation turns to Caleb Wilson and whether Bulls fans fully appreciate how exciting his potential could be. We discuss what Wilson has already shown, what makes his ceiling so intriguing, and why he could become one of the most important pieces of the Bulls’ future. 13:47 – More Matas Mid-Range Malcontent The mid-range debate continues with Matas Buzelis.  27:00 – Kuminga & Mathurin Misses… LOL Finally, we look back at the Bulls missing out on Jonathan Kuminga and Bennedict Mathurin and discuss why those supposed misses might ultimately work in Chicago’s favor. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t make. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Big Red Bus - Episode 277 - Rage Against (And For) the Mid-range Machine 0:00 – Welcome Aboard the Big Red Bus 1:45 – Maui, Family Time and Social Media 4:00 – Why August Is Perfect for Bulls History 6:15 – Tom Thibodeau’s Revolutionary Defense 9:45 – The Forgotten Injuries of the 2015–16 Bulls 13:15 – Mike Dunleavy Deserves More Respect 17:15 – Patrick Williams and Misleading Narratives 19:45 – Andrés Nocioni and the “Lean Years” 24:30 – Max Strus, Nic Claxton and Positional Value...Is Peyton Watson Overrated? 30:00 The Value of Unprotected First-Round Picks.  Should the Bulls Absorb Bad Contracts? 37:00 – Matas Buzelis, Billy Donovan and the Mid-Range 38:45 – The Priorities for Matas’ Development 42:00 – Upcoming Shows and Final Thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Podfather Doug Thonus returns for a solo bus ride on the third episode of the reborn Bulls Beat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the bus out for a solo ride to read some listener mail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big Red Bus Episode 273 – Clashing on Claxton 0:00 – Intro & Opening Banter Weekend stories and opening conversation before diving into Bulls talk. 2:00 – Bulls Interested in Benedict Mathurin? Is Mathurin the right fit? Why Fred prefers Isaac Okoro. Team-first vs. me-first players. Defensive fit alongside Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Josh Giddey. 16:30 – Patrick Williams Trade Value Is there any market for Patrick Williams? Would the Bulls need to attach draft picks? What would a successful 2026-27 season look like for Patrick? 24:00 – Expectations for Mid-First Round Picks Are fans expecting too much from No. 15 picks? Denzel Valentine revisited. Why stars at Pick 15 are the exception, not the rule. 29:45 – Solo Pod Follow-Up: Rim Protection vs. Shot Blocking Fred challenges Doug's comments on his previous podcast. Why shot blocking and rim protection are not the same thing. Discussion with an AAU coach about defensive positioning, rotations, deterrence, and anticipation. 34:00 – The Nick Claxton Debate Is Claxton the missing defensive piece? Claxton vs. Jalen Smith. Why rim protection matters more than block totals. 37:30 – Claxton's Health & Offensive Growth Addressing concerns about the 2024 epidural. Durability over the past four seasons. Career-high assists and improved passing. 42:30 – Claxton vs. Walker Kessler Which center would you rather build around? Asset cost vs. player value. 46:00 – Success Criteria for the Claxton Trade What would make the acquisition a success? Remaining concerns about rebounding. 56:30 – Great Shot Blockers vs. Great Rim Protectors James Wiseman Hassan Whiteside Andre Drummond JaVale McGee Brook Lopez Marc Gasol Tim Duncan Al Horford 59:30 – Closing Thoughts Robin Lopez's underrated rim protection. Rajon Rondo's comments on the 2017 Bulls. Final takeaways and sign-off. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Podfather Doug Thonus takes the Big Red Bus out for a solo ride with a revival of the Bulls Beat. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

0:00 – Welcome to the Big Red Bus & LeBron James joins the 76ers 3:00 – Who is the favorite in the Eastern Conference? Knicks vs. Sixers 14:30 – Are the Bulls really a bottom-three team in the East? 26:45 – Listener email: Are the Bulls already out on Noah Essengue? 39:00 – Why NBA teams evaluate much more than Summer League games 40:00 – Billy Donovan vs. Lonzo Ball: The Buzelis mid-range debate 50:45 – Breaking down Buzelis' shooting numbers and offensive growth 55:30 – Can Buzelis and Caleb Wilson thrive together? 60:00 – Josh Giddey: Point guard or shooting guard? 65:00 – Final thoughts and looking ahead to next week's show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.