Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Splitter calling Isaac Okoro “probably our best perimeter defender” and making it clear that Okoro is going to play a lot of minutes during the 2026-27 NBA season.
That immediately creates a major rotation question: if Okoro is playing a lot, whose minutes are getting squeezed?
With Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Nic Claxton expected to make up the starting five, Okoro could become one of Tiago’s most trusted bench pieces and potentially a late-game defensive closer. But what does that mean for Patrick Williams, Leonard Miller, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and the rest of Chicago’s crowded wing rotation?
Haize and Pat also dive into the bigger story emerging from training camp: is the Bulls culture actually changing under Tiago Splitter?
Matas Buzelis has described the first practices as some of the best training-camp experiences he has had, while Caleb Wilson has emphasized the physicality, players diving on the floor, and the competitive tone being established early.
Splitter is also preaching a more aggressive defensive philosophy — picking players up higher, attacking screens, dictating where opposing offenses go and using Nic Claxton’s rim protection behind them.
Is this simply normal training-camp optimism? Or are we finally seeing an actual identity being installed?
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Isaac Okoro’s expanded role, whether Tiago Splitter is truly changing the Bulls culture, and why Chicago’s smartest final roster move may be no move at all.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.
Protect yourself now.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chicago Bulls training camp is already forcing fans to reconsider some offseason assumptions — especially when it comes to Dailyn Swain and Caleb Wilson. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down the early buzz surrounding Dailyn Swain, who has reportedly looked dramatically different from the player Bulls fans saw during Summer League. After an uneven showing in Las Vegas, Swain is now getting praise for his aggression, paint attacks, defensive versatility, and willingness to take on difficult assignments.
So did Bulls fans judge him too quickly?
The guys discuss whether Swain can turn his defensive tools and growing confidence into a legitimate role in Tiago Splitter’s rotation, or whether spending significant time with the Windy City Bulls would still be the best path for his development.
Haize and Pat also dive into one of the most interesting developments from training camp: the Bulls challenging Caleb Wilson to defend on the perimeter — including potentially guarding point guards.
Could Wilson become Chicago’s defensive chess piece? His size, athleticism, length, and mobility already give him intriguing upside, but if he can legitimately switch onto guards, the Bulls could build extremely versatile defensive combinations around Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Nic Claxton.
The guys debate what would matter more for Caleb’s rookie season: becoming a major scorer immediately or establishing himself as an elite multi-positional defender.
Plus, they revisit the Jalen Duren situation in Detroit and whether Bryson Graham should continue monitoring it. With Duren’s future creating uncertainty, should the Bulls stay ready if a young All-Star-caliber center eventually becomes available? Or does having Claxton already make a major investment in Duren unnecessary?
Topics Include:
- Dailyn Swain impressing at Bulls training camp
- Did fans overreact to Swain’s Summer League struggles?
- Swain’s path to real NBA rotation minutes
- Caleb Wilson guarding point guards?
- Caleb’s defensive versatility and ceiling
- Tiago Splitter’s defensive vision for Chicago
- Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton together defensively
- Jalen Duren’s situation with Detroit
- Should the Bulls monitor Duren long-term?
- Claxton vs. Duren as potential long-term center options
- Bulls training camp storylines
Training camp is only beginning, but the Bulls are already showing signs that development, versatility, and defense could become major parts of their new identity under Tiago Splitter.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Dailyn Swain’s early redemption story, Caleb Wilson’s surprising defensive role, and whether the Bulls should keep watching Jalen Duren’s situation in Detroit.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.
Protect yourself now.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tiago Splitter’s media day comments may have revealed one of the biggest changes coming to the Chicago Bulls: more freedom for the young players. 👀🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what that could mean for a roster built around youth, development, and competition heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
If Splitter truly plans to give players like Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Rob Dillingham, Jaylin Sellers, and the rest of Chicago’s young core more room to play through mistakes, create offense, and grow on the floor, the Bulls could look very different from what fans have seen in recent seasons.
The guys discuss which young Bulls could benefit most from that freedom — and which players may actually take a major leap under Tiago’s system.
But more opportunity for the young guys means somebody else could lose minutes.
Haize and Pat also look at the veterans and players on expiring contracts who could fall out of the rotation or become trade candidates if Chicago decides to fully prioritize its future. Training camp and the first part of the season could quickly establish a hierarchy, and veterans who do not fit the new direction may become movable pieces.
That leads to the biggest question of the episode: who thrives under Tiago Splitter?
Could Matas Buzelis become the biggest beneficiary of more offensive freedom? Can Rob Dillingham turn creativity into real rotation minutes? Does Caleb Wilson immediately earn trust? Could Patrick Williams find new life in a different system? Or will a veteran surprise everyone by becoming indispensable?
Topics Include:
- Tiago Splitter’s media day comments
- Young Bulls expected to have more freedom
- How player development could change under Tiago
- Matas Buzelis’ opportunity to take another leap
- Caleb Wilson’s role as a rookie
- Rob Dillingham’s path to consistent minutes
- Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue development
- Which Bulls veterans could lose rotation spots
- Expiring contracts that could become trade candidates
- Who fits best in Tiago Splitter’s system
- Bulls training camp rotation battles
- Chicago’s youth movement becoming real
The Bulls are entering a season where development and competition may finally go hand in hand. If Tiago Splitter truly empowers the young core, some players could take off — while others may find themselves squeezed out faster than expected.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Tiago Splitter’s new approach, which young players could thrive, and which veterans may be fighting to stay in the rotation.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.
Protect yourself now.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chicago Bulls Media Day 2026 is here, and we’re breaking down what it tells us about the 2026–27 season. What is the plan for this team under new head coach Tiago Splitter and basketball operations leader Bryson Graham? We react to the biggest takeaways from Media Day, the expectations heading into training camp, and the questions Bulls fans still need answered.
How big a role will rookie Caleb Wilson play right away? What does the next step look like for Matas Buzelis? We’ll also discuss Josh Giddey, how Norman Powell and Nic Claxton fit with this roster, and what the Bulls’ starting lineup and identity could look like.
This is our full Chicago Bulls Media Day reaction and early look at the season ahead. Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments: What did you hear today that made you more excited—or more concerned—about the Bulls?
Subscribe for Chicago Bulls news, reactions, and discussion throughout the season.
#ChicagoBulls #Bulls #nba
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.
Aura Cybersecurity
Start your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.
Protect yourself now.
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Chicago Bulls finally addressed one of the biggest concerns on the roster by adding veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield in a trade. 🔥🐂
On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what the Buddy Hield move means for Chicago heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Bulls have spent the offseason surrounded by questions about three-point shooting, half-court spacing, and bench scoring, and Hield directly attacks all three concerns. His ability to stretch defenses, move without the ball, and punish teams from deep could dramatically change how Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, and the rest of Tiago Splitter’s rotation operate offensively.
Haize and Pat discuss where Hield fits in the rotation and whether he should come off the bench as Chicago’s primary shooting weapon or potentially close games when the Bulls desperately need spacing.
The guys also break down the trade mechanics provided in the deal. Charlotte creates a $9.4 million trade exception and takes in roughly $3 million less in salary, while Chicago receives cash to help offset a significant portion of the salary difference. From the Bulls’ perspective, the bigger story is simple: Bryson Graham found a way to add an established NBA shooter without abandoning the larger roster-building plan.
The move also creates immediate rotation questions. What does Hield’s arrival mean for Rob Dillingham, Tre Jones, Isaac Okoro, Patrick Williams, Jaylin Sellers, and Chicago’s other bench options? And could adding a legitimate movement shooter make Tiago Splitter’s half-court offense significantly easier to build?
Topics Include:
- Bulls trade for Buddy Hield
- Why Chicago desperately needed more three-point shooting
- How Hield fits next to Josh Giddey
- Buddy Hield’s role in Tiago Splitter’s offense
- Bulls bench scoring after the trade
- Who could lose rotation minutes?
- How the trade impacts Rob Dillingham and other guards
- Charlotte creating a $9.4 million trade exception
- Chicago receiving cash in the transaction
- Did Bryson Graham finally solve the Bulls’ biggest weakness?
- How much the move changes Bulls expectations for 2026-27
The Bulls did not need another developmental shooter — they needed someone defenses already respect. Buddy Hield provides exactly that, and now Chicago’s spacing conversation looks completely different heading into the season.
🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Buddy Hield trade, how
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Cozy Earth
Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDON for an exclusive 20%.
Wayfair
Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Square
Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.