Locked On Bulls - Daily Podcast On The Chicago Bulls

Matas Buzelis is not hiding how he felt about his role under Billy Donovan — and now Bulls fans have a major reason to watch his development even closer. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Matas Buzelis talking about Billy Donovan putting him on a leash and what that says about his growth, confidence, and mindset entering the 2026-27 NBA season. Was Matas limited too much last year? Did the Bulls fail to fully unlock his offensive game? And with Tiago Splitter now leading the team, could Buzelis finally get the freedom he needs to take a real leap?

 

The guys also discuss Matas working with Dirk Nowitzki and why that could be massive for his development. From footwork to shooting touch to creating advantages as a taller forward, Dirk’s influence could help Buzelis sharpen the exact areas that may determine whether he becomes a high-level starter or something even bigger for Chicago.

 

Plus, Haize and Pat break down Norman Powell’s 2026-27 season expectations with the Bulls. Powell was brought in to give Chicago veteran scoring, three-point shooting, shot creation, and offensive reliability. But how much should Bulls fans expect from him? Can Powell be the steady scoring presence this roster needs around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, and Dailyn Swain?

 

Topics Include:

Matas Buzelis speaking on Billy Donovan’s restrictions

Did Billy put Matas “on a leash”?

How Tiago Splitter could unlock Buzelis

Matas working with Dirk Nowitzki

What Dirk’s influence could mean for Matas’ development

Matas Buzelis Year 3 leap expectations

Norman Powell’s 2026-27 Bulls role

Can Powell fix Chicago’s scoring and shooting issues?

How Powell fits next to Josh Giddey and the young core

Bulls offensive expectations entering the season

 

The Bulls are entering a new era, and two players could define how quickly things change: Matas Buzelis and Norman Powell. If Matas takes the leap and Powell gives Chicago reliable veteran production, the Bulls may have a much more dangerous offense than people expect.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ comments on Billy Donovan, his work with Dirk Nowitzki, and Norman Powell’s expectations for the 2026-27 season.

 

 

Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

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The Chicago Bulls are entering the 2026-27 season with a new-look roster, a new head coach, and major expectations for their young core — starting with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. 👀🐂 On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what Bulls fans should realistically expect from Josh Giddey this season. After the front office made it clear that Giddey is viewed as part of the Bulls’ core, the pressure is now on him to prove he can be more than a connective passer. Can Giddey improve as a shooter, defend at a higher level, control the offense, and help raise the ceiling of the team? The guys also discuss whether Matas Buzelis is ready to make a true third-year leap. With more talent around him and a bigger role in the Bulls’ future, Buzelis has a chance to become one of Chicago’s most important players. But what does that leap actually look like? More scoring? Better three-point shooting? Stronger defense? More consistency? Haize and Pat lay out what fans should be watching for. Plus, the guys dive into the question of Thomas Sorber’s availability and whether the Bulls should be interested if the young big man becomes a realistic option. Chicago has added frontcourt talent, but long-term size, rim protection, rebounding, and developmental upside should always be on the radar for Bryson Graham and the front office. Topics Include: Josh Giddey’s 2026-27 expectations Can Giddey prove he is a Bulls core piece? What Giddey must improve this season Matas Buzelis’ possible third-year leap Why Buzelis’ development matters so much Thomas Sorber availability watch Should the Bulls pursue another young big? How the Bulls’ young core fits together Bryson Graham’s long-term roster-building vision Bulls expectations entering the new season The Bulls have more intriguing talent than they have had in years, but now the next step is turning promise into production. If Giddey and Buzelis both level up, Chicago’s rebuild could start moving faster than expected. 🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Josh Giddey’s expectations, Matas Buzelis’ Year 3 leap potential, and whether Thomas Sorber should be on the Bulls’ radar. Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. 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. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. 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)

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Bryson Graham and the Chicago Bulls front office reportedly view Josh Giddey as part of the team’s core — and that tells Bulls fans a lot about the direction of the franchise. 👀🐂

 

 

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what it means if the Bulls truly see Josh Giddey as one of the foundational pieces moving forward. Is Giddey a long-term building block because of his size, passing, rebounding, and ability to organize the offense? Or does Chicago still need to see major growth as a shooter and defender before fully committing to him as part of the future?

 

 

 

The guys also dive into the biggest training camp questions for the Bulls’ young players. With Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Jaylin Sellers, Leonard Miller, Rob Dillingham, and others fighting for roles, training camp could reveal who is ready for real NBA minutes and who may need more development time.

 

 

 

Plus, Haize and Pat revisit one of the most polarizing conversations in Bulls Nation: Patrick Williams. The P-Will truthers are still holding out hope, but is there still a path for Williams to become the player fans once believed he could be? Or has the clock officially started running out with a new front office, a rebuilt roster, and younger players pushing for minutes?

 

 

 

Topics Include:

 

Bulls front office viewing Josh Giddey as part of the core

 

Why Giddey’s fit matters for the Bulls’ future

 

Can Giddey improve enough as a shooter?

 

Biggest Bulls training camp questions

 

Which young players can earn real rotation minutes?

 

Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis development expectations

 

Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, and G League possibilities

 

Patrick Williams truthers still holding out hope

 

Is this P-Will’s final chance to change the conversation?

 

Bryson Graham’s long-term vision for Chicago

 

 

 

The Bulls’ new era is starting to take shape, but training camp will be the first real test of who actually belongs in the plan. Josh Giddey may be viewed as part of the core, but the rest of the roster still has to prove where they fit.

 

 

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Josh Giddey’s place in the Bulls’ future, the biggest training camp questions for Chicago’s young players, and whether Patrick Williams can still reward the fans who never stopped believing.

 

 

 

Call or text the show: (331) 240-1180

 

 

 

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Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

 

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

 

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

 

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

 

 

Everydayer Club

 

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

 

 

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

 

Odoo

 

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

FanDuel

 

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season.

 

 

 

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)

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The Chicago Bulls got blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers in Summer League, but the biggest takeaway may still be positive: Caleb Wilson continues to shine. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to the Bulls’ ugly Summer League loss to the Lakers and break down why the final score does not tell the full story. While Chicago struggled as a team, Caleb Wilson once again gave Bulls fans a reason to be excited with his activity, scoring flashes, rebounding, feel, and overall confidence.

 

But the loss also raised some bigger roster questions.

 

Do the Bulls need to add a veteran wing with their final roster spot? Chicago still has concerns when it comes to dependable wing depth, shooting, defensive consistency, and players who can steady the bench when the young guys are not ready. Haize and Pat discuss whether Bryson Graham should prioritize a proven veteran before training camp or keep the final spot open for flexibility.

 

The guys also dive into the development timelines for Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue. After Summer League struggles, should Bulls fans expect both young players to spend time in the G League? Is that a bad thing, or would it be the smartest path for their long-term growth?

 

Topics Include:

Bulls blown out by the Lakers in Summer League

Caleb Wilson shining despite the loss

What Wilson has proven so far

Biggest concerns from the Bulls’ Summer League performance

Should Chicago add a veteran wing?

What the Bulls should do with the final roster spot

Dailyn Swain’s Summer League struggles

Noa Essengue’s development timeline

Should Swain and Noa begin in the G League?

Bryson Graham’s next roster decision

 

Summer League is about development, not panic — but the Lakers loss showed a clear gap between Caleb Wilson’s readiness and where some of the Bulls’ other young players may be. Now the question is whether Chicago needs more veteran help around the margins while Swain and Noa continue growing.

 

🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down the Bulls’ Summer League loss to the Lakers, Caleb Wilson’s continued rise, whether Chicago needs a veteran wing, and if Dailyn Swain and Noa Essengue should spend time in the G League.

Call or text the show: (331) 240-1180

 

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Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

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The Chicago Bulls’ Summer League run has given fans plenty to talk about — but now the focus shifts from hype to development. 👀🐂

 

On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what Caleb Wilson still needs to work on before the regular season begins. Wilson has shown flashes of the talent that made him a major piece of the Bulls’ future, but what areas need the most attention before he faces real NBA rotations? The guys discuss his decision-making, physicality, defensive discipline, shooting confidence, and how quickly he can adjust to the speed of the league.

 

Then, the conversation turns to Dailyn Swain. Is it too early to worry about the rookie, or have there been signs that Bulls fans should pay attention to? Haize and Pat debate whether Swain’s Summer League struggles are normal rookie growing pains or a sign that his development timeline may be longer than expected.

 

The guys also dive into Jaylin Sellers and whether he has a real path to earning NBA minutes with the Bulls. Sellers may not be one of the biggest names on the roster, but his scoring ability, confidence, and opportunity within Chicago’s development structure could make him an underrated player to watch.

 

Call or text the show: (331) 240-1180

 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms

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Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter

Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls

Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize

Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner

 

Support us by supporting our sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors:

DoorDash

Next time someone goes off for 50, use promo code NBA50 the next day to get 50% off on DoorDash with DashPass — plus your shot at the Bag Drop.  

DashPass members only. 50% off up to $10 the day after a 50-point game with promo code. Terms apply.  

No Purchase Necessary. Ends April 13th. Open to U.S. residents 21 or older. Visit DoorDashInYourBag.com for full details.  

DoorDash — In your bag all season long.

 

Robinhood

You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.

 

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

 

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

 

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting 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)

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